[Businessmtg] Group Inventory

[Steve Rankin]

Hi folks,

A number of members have raised the topic of having a Group Inventory.  I have been a member of face-to-face groups that did a group inventory, I have instigated a group inventory of my face-to-face home group, and I have been asked to facilitate a group inventory for other groups.  My experience is that a group wishing to do a group inventory generally asks an Al-Anon member from outside the group to facilitate the group inventory meetings.  This serves to avoid the problems of dominance that can occur when a member of the group attempts to lead the process.. 

Al-Anon WSO publishes two documents about Group Inventories.  Guideline G-8a and G8-b.  G-8a is a two-page PDF about the process, containing a slew of questions that can be addressed.  Guideline G-8b is a short form with just 4 very broad questions and room for individual members to write down their responses.  

https://al-anon.org/pdf/G8a.pdf 

https://al-anon.org/pdf/G8b.pdf

 

So, what is my take on a group inventory for ASP?

1.	A group inventory is an inventory of the GROUP, by the GROUP.  While our Business Meeting “represents” the group conscience of ASP, a group inventory is much bigger than the Business Meeting – the members of the Business Meeting are only 2% of ASP’s membership.  I don’t see how a group inventory confined to the Business Meeting could be effective for resolving this issue.
2.	ASP has a policy of not discussing business in the ASP recovery meeting.  Attempting to hold a group inventory in the recovery meeting would violate that policy.
3.	ASP also has a policy of having Daily Chairs post specific readings and open the Daily Meetings with topics, etc.  Attempting to hold a group inventory in the recovery meeting would also violate this policy.  
4.	Even if we went through extensive group conscience process required to try holding a group inventory in the recovery meeting, what would the likely result be?   As Margaret said, the best way to clear the room it to say it’s time for a business meeting.  How would that possibly be a good thing for ASP?
5.	When I look over the many questions on the Group Inventory Guideline G-8a, I see that ASP is doing quite well in the vast majority of areas.  Most of those that we are not are because ASP is an electronic meeting and WSO has prevented ASP from being a “Group” or from being able to participate with any of those other service entities until recently.  Perhaps we should take someone else’s inventory???  😊
6.	Would it be possible to announce that we would be having a group inventory in the Business Meeting so that the membership knew and could attend and participate?  Certainly.  However, looking at that realistically, would that result in any notable increase in members attending?  No.  

In conclusion, while I have seen some groups gain valuable insight into how the group had evolved and find solutions to get the group back on a healthier track, I have also seen groups fail to accomplish anything in the process, even exacerbating the issues of the group.  In any case, I do not see how ASP could hold a meaningful group inventory, or find a resolution to our challenges of filling our service positions on the Steering Committee.

Hugs,

Steve



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