[Businessmtg] Treasurer continued

[Jerry H.]

Biz-Pals,

Jeanette's email covers a number of separate elements so I'm going to respond to them individually.

First things first, I believe my initial email was relatively clear so there's a good chance this email may seem like I'm repeating myself. Please bear with me; I try my best to answer questions as they are asked. Also, I'm packed and ready to head out to my cabin in the woods early in the morning so I'm dashing this off where I would normally spend a good deal of time putting my response together. (I'll be connected while I'm there as long as my battery holds out...:-))

> On May 23, 2018 at 11:07 AM Jeanette K wrote:
> 
>     Thanks for your response Jerry.
> 
>     Jerry and all,
>     I just want to clarify so I make sure I understand. Jerry indicated “We
>     have the time and the means to solve whatever problems which may come up -
>     meaning: we'll figure this out if it becomes necessary.” and, “with a
>     number of past treasurers on the Steering Committee we're well positioned
>     to keep ASP's finances in order.”
> 

  We do have the time and means to get the Treasurer's position filled with a qualified candidate. As I said, we currently have a year's worth of money in our ASP account. If not one penny gets deposited into that account for a year our bills would still be paid. $99.00 a month gets automatically paid to our service provider requiring no action on our part. The deposit of future donations does need to be resolved, but keep in mind - though our current Treasurer has asked to be replaced, she also has said she will continue fulfilling this duty until a replacement is elected. Based on the information we have at this time there is no reason for worry let alone hurry or panic. Easy does It.

  Having a number of past Treasurers on the Steering Committee to aid in bridging from our current Treasurer to a future Treasurer is a huge advantage. At least three of us know what has to get done. Might it be necessary for one or two of us to step in and temporarily perform some of the duties while we await someone to volunteer to serve? Yes. Same as in every F2F meeting I've ever belonged to. Somebody fills the gap until someone steps up to the plate. Same, not different.


> If I understand Jerry’s response it looks as though the Steering Committee would have to take over the duties of the Treasurer if one is not elected at this business meeting.
> 

  This is incorrect. The possible election of a new Treasurer IS on this month's Business Meeting agenda. We have no resumes at the moment so no candidates. As our Treasurer has stated and as I have reported, our Treasurer has asked to be replaced and that she will continue in service until a replacement steps forward to serve. This is not an unusual request in Al-Anon. Life hands us lemons at the least opportune times. It is up to one or more members of the Business Committee to step forward to replace her. I'm certain that July's agenda will keep this on the table.


> My understanding from my f2f is that the Treasurer is a necessary position to collect the money given by members and to pay the bills necessary to keep the recovery meeting going.
> 

  The interesting difference here is, should this type of thing happen in a F2F meeting the Treasurer would drop the treasury paperwork and any monies on the table and simply resign. Somebody would pick up the responsibility - either temporarily or permanently - and all would be well. And, if not, the meeting would eventually shirk its responsibility to be self-supporting, perhaps losing their meeting place as a result, perhaps losing membership, and perhaps - as happens in real life - the meeting would wither and die.


> The Treasurer role appears to me to be more important than many of the other
>     trusted servant roles.
> 

  As important as it is to have a Treasurer, each service position is essential for the smooth functioning of a healthy group. The focus, I believe, would be better placed on emphasizing how important all service is not just for the group, but for the individuals performing the duties. Service is an essential part of personal recovery.


> I also understand from my f2f that a trusted servant cannot hold more than one position.
> 

  One of the things being left out of this conversation is the role flexibility in coming up with workable solutions. It is true that it is not optimum to have one person filling multiple service positions. ASP has a policy against this. However, here we are facing a possible vacancy in an essential position. Clearly something will have to be done short of closing down the meeting; we have over 1,400 members most of whom presumably find ASP an important part of their lives. I believe this show must go on. 

  So who would carry out the duties of the Treasurer after May’s Business Meeting?


  Answered above. Continually using this "after May's Business Meeting" deadline language is a false narrative. Our bases are covered.

I would be willing to serve ASP as a trusted servant, however I don’t
meet the qualifications and frankly the term is quite long. Has there been
consideration in the Business Meeting to changing the requirements to
serve? Are there even any people in this meeting that do meet the
requirements?


  ASP has qualifications for service for very good reasons. The service experience and knowledge necessary to perform many ASP leadership position duties well is much more on a par with the service position duties of Area leaders. As with Area service leaders, service in prior ASP service positions assures that candidates have demonstrated through personal growth and reliability that they are not just willing, but also able to fulfill the responsibilities assigned to them should they be elected.

  Terms too long? Three-year terms are standard fare for comparable leadership positions in Al-Anon. Even Group Representatives' terms are for three years. No, the three-year commitment is one that Al-Anon members expect of their leaders.

  ASP has service positions members could fill which would give them the qualifications for service in leadership positions. It is also true that we don't twist arms. Either folks step up to the plate or they don't.

  


I believe we may not even have time at this point for the process of an
election if someone qualified were to step forward. However, I’m guessing
there is some urgency in having this position filled.


  Acting based on urgency is fraught with pitfalls in this disease of ours. This push for immediate resolution may be better viewed in the light of Step 1, powerlessness, and perhaps with a Tradition 2 question or two: Is this lack of willingness to serve ASP in effect a tacit group conscience and therefore our Higher Power's will for the group? Are we willing to live with the consequences of our present course?   

In service,

Jerry H.

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