[Businessmtg] Topic Chair Requirements

[Jerry]

Biz-Pals,

I fail to see how Steve's contribution addresses the situation which prompted me to suggest this topic.

Yes, ASP has a 6-month membership requirement to serve as a Topic Chair. No problem having this guideline. But there is no allowance for flexibility in situations where there aren't enough volunteers who meet this requirement.

Lisa's impression - "ASP has requirements to hold the service position of Chair. ASP also has some flexibility built in as it recognizes there may be a situation in which the only candidate has not met all the requirements, and can then make decisions on a case by case basis" - is not accurate. There is no flexibility, even when experienced Al-Anons are willing and very able to chair, but are some small measure short of the full 6-month membership.

Just because this situation may be rare, as Steve's personal experience suggests, doesn't mean it has never happened (it has) or never will again. I repeat, during my tenure there were times (plural) when too few qualified volunteers stepped forward, requiring the asking of sitting chairs to accept an additional 6-months of service. With a smidge of flexibility that wouldn't have had to happen, and otherwise very well qualified volunteers could have served.

Jerry
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