[Businessmtg] More on Alternate Group Representative

[Steve Rankin]

Hi folks,

1.  Do we need an Alternate GR?  Yes, as long as we believe that we need a GR, it follows that we need an Alternate GR.  What if we don't believe we need a GR?  Well, that is possible and we certainly would not be the first group that made that decision intentionally.  IMHO, the primary benefit that any group gets out of having a GR is the opportunities for growth that the GR gets out of spending 3 years serving as GR, and how they bring that personal growth to their meeting via their shares.  

2.  Tradition 4.  "Each group should be autonomous, except in matters affecting another group or Al-Anon or AA as a whole."
Anne is correct about how ASP decides how a GR (and Alternate GR) may or may not participate in ASP's INTERNAL service structure.  Likewise, Anne is also correct about how the terms of office, election, attendance at District and Area events, etc. of the GR & Alternate GR described in the Service Manual are NOT subject to Tradition 4.  

3.  Yes, we must elect a GR before we can elect an Alternate GR.  Why?  Because the Alternate GR serves as the GR in the absence of the GR. . . if the GR is permanently absent, then the Alternate GR is permanently serving as the GR.  It's really that simple.  Since we do not have an elected GR, why would we decide to elect an Alternate GR?  It seems to me that the expression in the fellowship is applicable "Half measures availed us nothing."

4.  Yes, we have a history of difficulty filling our service positions, especially the Steering Committee positions.  However, this is NOT UNIQUE to ASP.  This has been a problem in Al-Anon for decades - at least the 40+ years that I've been active in Al-Anon.  
I believe that a large part of this results from Al-Anon emphasizing how our program is (a) free and (b) how you can do it your way.  I'm sorry, but my experience is that members that believe "they can work this program their way" is merely a way of enabling the same old behavior that got them here, which is not recovery.  There's a saying that "If you keep doing what you're doing, you'll keep getting what you're getting."  

5.  I also agree with Jerry's suggestion that the Alternate GR have a seat on the Steering Committee with voice, but no vote except in the absence of the GR.  

Hugs,
Steve