[Businessmtg] Service positions

[Missy S]

Hello business meeting ASPers,

I support reducing the time in service prior to becoming members of the SC
as requested by the SC. I have some additional ideas to think about as
well.

If I understand correctly, the soonest a new person coming into ASP can be
of service on the Steering Committee, as it stands now, is 2 years after
joining. Then as a member of the SC, they must serve for 3 years, *for a
total of a five-year commitment (not always consecutive).*

I like to be of service, but this level of commitment for a sustained
period is not manageable for my current life circumstances. Others may be
in similar situations, working FT jobs and holding local service
commitments. I hope to be of service to this meeting in the future, when my
work/life balance allows.

I wrote the section below in the spirit of introducing some alternatives. I
understand that ASP is not a typical Al-Anon meeting and that those
stepping into leadership need some experience in ASP first. However, I feel
that trust in our trusted servants could come more quickly than after 2
years. Even one or two of these suggestions may lead to more rotation of
leadership, a fundamental program tenet.

I recognize all of these together would be a lot of changes, but if we are
thinking outside of the box for ways to increase service position
participation, here are some things I thought of.

As it stands, in order to be appointed to a position in *ASP, members* must
have been on the email meeting for *one year as a participant. *

Potentially lower the initial requirement for appointed  positions to* 6
months of participation at the steering committee members discretion*.
Increases the number of members available to take entry level service
positions, especially fresh crops of daily chairs.

*Appointed positions need to be held for one year total service to be
eligible for Steering Committee Positions. *Daily Chairs (6-month
term), Greeters (1 year term), Recording Secretary (not specified), possible
addition - *a regular participating member of ASP business meetings
(minimum of three, preferably 4-6)*. This is where I've learned the most
about ASP and how it works "behind the scenes."

Consider reducing the daily chairs commitment to a six month requirement
before serving on the SC.

*With other Al-Anon experience in F2F meetings*, possibly lower the time
needed to be of service before a SC position may be held to 6-9
months. Possible
service experience,either alone or combined with an ASP position, could be:
an intergroup representative, a local meeting treasurer, World Service
Delegate, region delegate. Possibly add that for these exceptions, at least
2 ASP business meetings must have been attended as well.


*Elected Service Positions - Steering Committee** *Must have at least 1
year of prior service in ASP in an appointed service position (see above)*
** **Serves for 3 years  What about changing to a minimum of one year or
two years, but ideally 3 years. I understand that rotating these positions
regularly is not easy, but perhaps it would increase participation.*

*With some of these suggestions, a new ASP member might be able to be of
greater service on the SC in 12-18 months, vs. 2 years.*


*Thank you for reading with an open mind! *