[Businessmtg] Service

[Anne O.]

All,

 

So many thoughts for me on this topic.  I am forever grateful for the
opportunity to serve ASP and Al-Anon, it is an opportunity for me to give
back to this program and to be there for newcomers and old timers alike.  

 

My first foray into service was in the early 90's, I was an emotional mess
and new to Al-Anon.  An old timer took me under her wing and encouraged me
to be the Alternate Group Rep of our small face to face Step meeting.  She
was there to encourage me as I stepped into an arena that was foreign to me.
I have served Al-Anon ever since in one way or another and I so appreciate
the gifts it has given me.

 

I am able to put the Traditions and Concepts/Warranties to work when I
participate in Service, Business Meetings and the Steering Committee.
These are skills that I develop when I participate and they translate nicely
into my work and home life where I function much more like an adult these
days.  I thank my time in service to that growth.

 

The following passage is a stark reminder that without service, our meetings
are not sustainable.

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Courage to Change p. 251 speaks of Tradition 7 and being fully
self-supporting

 

I never thought much about Tradition Seven, which says every group ought to
be fully self-supporting.  I thought it referred only to paying the rent.
But recently I was involved with a group that maintained itself financially
and still was not fully self-supporting because no one would commit to
service.  I already held several positions, and when my various terms
expired, no one was willing to take my place.  I made what felt like the
responsible choice for myself and stepped down anyway.  The meeting closed.
In my opinion, a group that cannot fill its service positions is not fully
self-supporting.

 

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I would be really interested to hear some honest answers from the business
meeting members on the following.  

.         What does service mean to you?  

.         What does service mean to the health of our group?  

.         And what keeps you from volunteering to serve on the Steering
Committee and in the Secretary and Treasurer positions that remain open?  

 

I'd also like to hear from all of you on how email communication may hinder
the open dialogue and discussions so vital to reasoning things out and
reaching consensus.

 

Hugs,

 

Anne O