[Businessmtg] Business Mtg - Archives

[Linda Hicks]

Hi Business Mtg Friends,
This agenda item was requested by me several months ago.  I feel like I'm
beating a dead horse by repeating and repeating my opinion in regard to
keeping an archive file, so without reiterating everything about it that I
have concerns about, I will try to limit my reasoning to a few points.  One
of the tools I learned in Al-Anon was to say it once, or I was trying to
control/nag etc.  Say what I mean, mean what I say, and don't say it mean.
Please bear with me.

All of the points Jerry made reinforce my opinion to eliminate the archive
files totally.  I would add that Service and Step 12 work are done with
permission and knowledge of the person.  I would add that Tradition 11
addresses Anonymity and specifically states we guard the anonymity of AA
members.  Many share include information about AA members.  Tradition 12
specifically states that Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of Al-Anon.
I would add that public speakers who choose to make tapes and share their
stories etc, choose to give up their anonymity.  Mary Pearl is a legend and
an open book - by choice.

When we first started discussing this issue, I mentally was willing to
compromise my opinion and agree to retain archives for a specified period
of time to allow administrative functions.  I've since change my mind on
that and now believe there should be no archive file at all.  Here are some
of my reasons.
1. It was mentioned that some of the reports include statistics from the
archive files.  While I find those reports and statistics fascinating and
interesting (I love charts and statistics), I feel they are not necessary.

2.  It was stated the Steering Committee needs access because they do not
always read the shares and do not have access when a member might contact
them a few days later.  We all have email that remains until we delete it,
so it's accessible there.  Once deleted, it usually remains in delete
folder for 30 days unless manually deleted from there, so there are ways to
access an 'offending' share.  Out of 7 members on the Steering Committee,
someone has that share.  The person offering the complaint, has that
share.  I don't think that's a valid reason to maintain even a temporary
archive file.

Lastly, nearly all our CAL has index with topics and steps and traditions
if someone wants to read about something specific.  It is not necessary
they look in the archives to see what I might have said on July 4th, 2019
about detachment, for example.
To me, going into the archives is like reading someone's personal diary.
If someone wants to talk to me about my share or a particular subject, they
can send me a private email after the meeting (and they do, and I do), just
like chatting or phoning someone after a f2f meeting.

Sorry for the long, rambling expression of my opinion.  I wasn't able to be
brief, yet want to say even more.  lol
Hugs, Linda