[Businessmtg] Service vacanies

[Missy S]

Hello ASPers,

I think this is a great discussion point. I've been a member of ASP 2 years
now. I like to know how things work and have attended my F2F group business
meetings and have served as an ISR for my local AIS. So, I said yes to
attending a business meeting after a few months in ASP. I've now attended I
think at least 4-6 business meetings and still am learning the ropes of how
ASP works. *So, forgive any ignorant comments. They are observations and
suggestions. *

I just looked in my old email files and found two introductory ASP emails
that I saved. I am one of those members who did read more about ASP when I
joined, but I'd venture to guess many don't, especially true Al-Anon
newcomers who are seeking recovery, not service.

   - One intro email said I should receive emails soon and was sent by a
   greeter. And then I received a longer more detailed email all about ASP
   from Steve and the bottom of the email addressed service. (Next bullet has
   the text in what I received)
   - "After you have been a member of A Serenity Place for a while, you may
   wish to make yourself available to do some service for the meeting.
   Like many face-to-face meetings, our rotation and election processes
   are a little informal, and perhaps confusing.  It may help to contact
   a member of the Steering Committee."

Asking members to attend business meetings.

   - The secretary asks via email if any members wish to be part of the
   next business meeting. Perhaps this email could be expanded to explain what
   takes place at a business meeting or link members to the section of the
   website that explains business meetings?
   - When the secretary sends the invitation to the meeting, could we note
   open positions as well?

I understand that business meeting topics are not typically discussed in
the general format of the daily meetings.

   - Therefore, are members of the business meeting the only members who
   are made aware of open positions? Or do we ask at specific intervals?
   - Perhaps there is a lack of understanding vs. a lack of interest?

Other thoughts.

   - Is three years perhaps too long of a commitment?
   - Are we asking for "general members?" Maybe this would be a way for
   people to work into positions?  (See below)
   -    12. The Steering Committee is the primary business committee of *A
   Serenity Place*. The Steering Committee is composed of all elected
   officers, Chair persons of committees (but not sub-committees), two
   ‘founders’ (the original founders of *A Serenity Place* or those most
   nearly so), and two general members of *A Serenity Place*. Only the
   Steering Committee has ‘jurisdiction’ over issues of member/trusted servant
   behavior; the Steering Committee has the authority to unsubscribe
   individuals (or remove trusted servants from office) who somehow violate
   Group policy so that the Group needs them to leave—a similar process to
   what the Alateens do.
   - I was not able to find the prerequisites for the members who serve on
   the Steering Committee that Lynne quoted, but it made me wonder if
   someone asks the past/outgoing daily chairs, greeters and recording
   secretaries if they are interested in serving?

Those are my 10 pm thoughts! Take what you like and leave the rest!

Missy S.