[Businessmtg] Prudent Reserve etc.

[Steve Rankin]

Hi folks,
My thoughts on some of the comments and suggestions. . .
1.  There is no need for a later group conscience to reference a previous
group conscience on the same topic, nor is there a precedence to do so.  For
example, Motion #22 recently replaced Motion #4.  Motion #22 is the current
group conscience on that topic, and Motion #4 is now a matter of historical
interest, but no longer defines current policy.
2.  Tradition 4 states "Each group should be autonomous, except in matters
affecting another group or Al-Anon or AA as a whole."  This Tradition tells
us that each group not only has the right to be autonomous, but SHOULD be
autonomous.  Therefore, as long as our group conscience doesn't affect
Al-Anon or AA as a whole, we have the right to reach a group conscience that
serves the needs of ASP.  Personally, when I am considering my needs, I
believe that I need to consider the needs of those that I have an obligation
to support, including any priorities that may be involved.
3.  While the Concepts are a valuable resource for Al-Anon groups, it is
worth remembering what their purpose is and that they were not written to
have the same degree of influence on individual groups as the Twelve
Traditions.  For example, if we quote the Warranties fully, we will notice
that they are directed towards the World Service Conference of Al-Anon, not
towards individual Al-Anon groups.
	"In all proceedings the World Service Conference of Al-Anon shall
observe the spirit of the Traditions".
ASP was very much aware of these differences when we established our
Founding Statement and Policies when we specifically stated "A Serenity
Place follows the Twelve Traditions as closely as possible; focusing on our
similarities with face-to-face meetings and the general fellowship, rather
than focusing on our differences" and we intentionally left out any
reference to the Concepts, the Warranties and the Service Manual.  
4.  While ASP is an Group (finally), our structure and our financial affairs
are more closely related to Intergroups and Areas than the usual discussion
meeting group.  As a result, like most of these larger and more complex
Al-Anon entities, our group conscience states that our Prudent Reserve is
one year's expenses.  
5.  For whatever reasons, previous Treasurers did not address the issue of
establishing a separate fund for incorporation expenses, nor does the
financial record show that funds were ever established to cover that
expense.  That probably should have been done, but it wasn't and it's too
late now; the incorporation application was submitted early this evening,
and the initial expenses have been paid.  Additional minor expenses are
expected.  I will report on this in greater detail in the May Business
Meeting.  
6.  As for Linda's #5, I could agree to donating 10% of our excess funds to
WSO with the other 80% into a separate account held for the Area/Districts
as long as that separate account was properly maintained and held for that
purpose.  However, is that kind of arrangement tends to be forgotten and
lost with new trusted servants, which results in those funds disappearing
because they went elsewhere.  While separate bank accounts are commonly used
by Al-Anon service entities to control how operation expenses are paid from
an operations checking account, and reserves are held in savings accounts or
other financial vehicles such as CDs, I would anticipate pushback from those
that actually manage our finances.  
In other words, if the members feel that it is necessary to donate a portion
of our funds to WSO during this interim phase, I feel that we need to
incorporate strong protections for the funds that we theoretically allocated
to the Area, and possible District.
Love and SERENITY,
Steve