10/6/24 Business Meeting Agenda
BM Chair: Mary Mc
BM Co-Chair: Mark M.
Secretary: Noelle
SC Members: Mark M., Mary Mc, John E., Jason W., Ian, Suzie M, Elle, Christian, Jayna
- Treasurer’s Report – Elle
$6,333.25 Sept 1 beginning balance
+1,042.59 total deposits
-648.29 total expenses
-77.36 Pending ORC expense
+705.30 7th Tradition donations
$7,355.49 ending balance Sept 30
RESERVES:
$2,000.00 prudent reserve
$1,177.40 ORC
$780.00 Zoom exp. Reserve
$97.10 Tech Reserve
$4,054.50 total reserve
Elle – Not as much in 7th Tradition this month. 7th Trad is currently allocated 60% to ORC and 40% to OIAA/GSO/Dist 14-Area 12 per GC. We should have a conversation about changing allocations, if needed.
Dennis – I’d like to reduce Q4’s allocation to ORC, giving more to OIAA/GSO/Dist 14-Area 12.
Jason W – I’m for keeping it simple from an accounting standpoint. Split it evenly 3 ways between OIAA/GSO/Dist 14-Area 12.
Elle – Requests for ORC increases during holiday months so maybe just reduce ORC to 40%?
Dennis – We should divide remainder evenly four ways between OIAA, GSO, Dist 14 & Area 12 since district and area are separate entities.
Elle – We get some really sweet comments in 7th Trad feedback
Motion to reduce ORC allocation to 40% – Seconded and passed (19 Yes/0 Dissent)
Motion to separate donations between District 14 & Area 12 – Seconded and passed (19 Yes/0 Dissent)
Motion to split 60% 7th Trad allocation evenly between OIAA, GSO, Dist 14 & Area 12 – Seconded and passed (19 Yes/0 Dissent)
Motion to allocate $450/ea to OIAA, GSO, Dist 14 & Area 12 for Oct 2024 – Seconded and passed (19 Yes/0 Dissent)
Motion to approve Treasurer’s Report – Seconded and passed (19 Yes/0 Dissent)
- ORC Report – Jason W.
Jason – We gave out 20 medallions (8 were for 1yr or more) and 10 books (Big Books & 12x12s) last month. Everybody is really appreciative and supportive.
Motion to approve ORC Report – Seconded and passed (19 Yes/0 Dissent)
- Committee Report
- Intergroup Representative – POSITION VACANT
- GSR report – Dennis
Dennis – I attended my first area assembly this month. It was hybrid for the first time. Some highlights:
- The area took its inventory, discussing 6 questions which I can provide if anyone wishes.
- The assembly approved sending 3 Proposed Agenda Items (PAls) re. preserving our Founder’s writings, including the Big Book and 12×12, to the General Service Conference Agenda Committee which will sift through hundreds of PAIs submitted by individuals, groups, committees and areas to decide which ones will be discussed at next year’s conference In April. This group sent a PAI last year which did not make it to the conference. The deadline for submissions was September 30th.
- Update on the 5th Edition of the Big Book: 250 of the 2,500 stories submitted are being reviewed again to determine which ones to include. The Trustees Literature Committee may have a draft available for review by the delegates at the 2025 Conference. Projected publishing date is 2026. The book will also have expanded appendices – III (Medical view) and V (Religious view). This 5th Edition is totally separate from the Plain Language Big Book, which goes on sale November 1st.
Kristen – Would be great to post this to the website to keep everyone informed.
- Host Feedback Workshop/Team Training Progress – Kristen
Kristen – It’s been delayed because I got a new laptop. In the process of locating the workshop slide show so I can send it to the trainers and possibly condense it.
Motion to approve Committee Reports – Seconded and passed (17 Yes/0 Dissent)
- Website Report – POSITION VACANT
- POLLS/VOTING – Lauren
1 Intergroup Representative POSITION UNFILLED
1 Secretary
Tom D (w/overturn of 1yr sobriety req) – VOTE: 12 Yes, 0 Dissent
1 Scheduler
1 SC Member
Lauren – VOTE: 16 Yes, 0 Dissent
1-2 Topic Coordinators
Suzie M – VOTE: 17 Yes, 0 Dissent
Britt Britt – VOTE: 17 Yes, 0 Dissent
2 Board Members
Larry – VOTE: 16 Yes, 0 Dissent
1 LGBTQIA+ and Allies Host
Larry – VOTE: 17 Yes, 0 Dissent
Sister Meeting Host
Martique (w/overturn of 3mo sobriety req) – VOTE: 15 Yes, 1 Dissent
Step Study Meeting Host
Martique (w/overturn of 3mo sobriety req) – VOTE: 14 Yes, 0 Dissent
Women w/GUTS Meeting Host
Martique (w/overturn of 3mo sobriety req) – VOTE: 15 Yes, 0 Dissent
- Topic for BM Agenda – WEB MAINTENANCE
Presently, there is no tech team so items voted into GC are not being done. There was unanimous consensus by the SC that how we maintain the website be the top priority at the next BM. Do we continue to try and get volunteers from our service team base to do the work (with the risk being that the work may not be done because of instability) or do we pay for outside help (with the risk of added cost which pulls away from other top group priorities such as the ORC)?
Suzie – I always thought it would be good to have both. Someone from outside to help with things we’re not able to do and someone inside GUTS to maintain it. Tom also mentioned that he’s in the tech field.
Kimberly – I like Suzie’s idea of having someone come in from outside to get things in order. The website is super slow and it crashes right in the middle of meetings when secretaries need it. It also affects our ability to update our lists on the website (sober contacts, sponsorship, etc) so in meetings we’re sharing a link to an old list.
Dennis – I don’t think this is a one-person job so maybe one from inside and one from outside GUTS. I think the outside person should have at least some knowledge of AA if not be an AA member.
Noelle – The reason we raise funds is partially to cover expenses like this so I think hiring an outside IT professional is a great idea but I also worry about anonymity. It would be ideal to have them be both a paid professional AND a member of AA.
Teresa – I think having an outside person sign an NDA would be a top priority.
Kimberly – Currently people adding their names via the GUTS website are not being merged into the list.
Kristen – Is it in violation of the traditions to hire someone outside of AA?
Elle – It’s a broken plug-in that’s not merging the lists. I have some website knowledge and skill and can help with this and emergency issues if the group approves.
Mary – We have cost constraints so I’ve asked an IT guy to see what we actually need and how much it would cost to keep the website running at a satisfactory level.
Britt – Brando said he would be willing to migrate the website to a different host company, he would just need access. He has a background in IT.
Jason W – It sounds like Tom D. works in the IT field too so could we look into having him do that? Or at least tell us if we need to hire an outside person? Maybe it was Brando not Tom?
Dennis- read the long form of 8th Tradition to the group.
Suzie – There is a Google Doc where we can update the lists communally but there are limited permissions…could we allow List Coordinators (like Kimberly) to update this?
Lori – Could Kimberly just cut and paste?
Motion for Mary Mc to reach out to Tom & Brando to see if they’re interested in helping determine/address what’s needed IT-wise – Seconded and passed (17 Yes/0 Dissent)
- Topic for BM Agenda – Lauren
I finished the updated announcements/script as follows:
Service Announcement: If you’re looking to do some service work, please consider GUTS as an option. You can sign up at aaguts.com/service. GUTS offers a variety of service leadership positions, open slots on our daily schedule, and a way to be a part of the group’s unity.
Motion to approve updated Service Announcement – Seconded and passed (18 Yes/0 Dissent)
Sister Meetings: Our sister meetings need support, participation, and service help. All sister meetings start at 5:30PM PST/ 8:30PM EST. Each meeting is uniquely prepared by the Host.
Mondays: Women with GUTS
Tuesdays: Traditions Meeting
Wednesdays: Big Book Study
Thursdays: Coed Step Study
Fridays: AAGUTS Famous Speaker Meeting
Saturdays: Men’s Meeting
Sundays: LGBTQIA+ & Allies Meeting (The LGBTQIA+ & Allies Meeting doesn’t have a host currently. If you’re interested in running that particular meeting, please sign up at aaguts.com/service.)
Motion to approve updated Sister Mtgs Announcement – Seconded and passed (18 Yes/0 Dissent)
Newcomer’s Announcement: If you are a newcomer, you are welcome. We hope you will get your virtual hand up, share your story with the room, and let us get to know you. We have resources, contact lists, and support in the chat. Please note that meeting members who identify with asterisks in their names are available for sponsorship. If you have a burning desire, which means you are in immediate danger of picking up the first drink, or you would like to connect with a member with an asterisk, reach out to myself or a cohost through a Direct Message. For those needing court verification, please wait until the end of the hour to receive the link.
Motion to approve updated Newcomers Announcement – Seconded and passed (18 Yes/0 Dissent)
Singleness of Purpose: As the third tradition states, the only requirement for AA Membership is the desire to stop drinking. Please refrain from drunken shares. If you’re currently drinking or under the influence, feel free to stay, listen, and reach out in the chat. You are in the right place. We request 24 hours of sobriety prior to sharing in order to preserve the safety of the room. Keep your shares focused on your experience with alcoholism. The topics are available to help guide shares, but you may also speak on your own experience, strength, and hope. Please refrain from giving unsolicited interpersonal, medical, psychiatric, and/or legal advice. Avoid engaging in negative crosstalk or the controversial discussion of outside issues. AA GUTS is a safe space; no harassment will be tolerated. Alert a host or cohost through a direct message if you feel unsafe. Do not post personal contact info publicly. A cohost will gladly pass along your number privately.
Motion to approve Singleness of Purpose Announcement – Seconded and passed (18 Yes/0 Dissent)
Suzie read the ORC blurb update (***will add to BM notes once received***).
Motion to approve new ORC blurb – Seconded and passed (18 Yes/0 Dissent)
Also, I propose a GC in which the script must be updated, and the announcements need to be rotated out every 3 months. This would ensure that the script doesn’t become worn out and boring. Keeping the script fresh yields more attention from attendees.
Motion to approve updating the announcements every 3mos – Seconded and passed (16 Yes/0 Dissent)
- Topic for BM Agenda – Jason A.
Jason A. has requested a return to service. He has outlined his personal growth since the ban to the committee. All agree Jason is sincere and deserves to be let back into service. Mark has endorsed Jason’s return to service.
Suzie – I’d like to revisit the reasons why the ban was put into place. There were very serious behaviors that led to this ban. Anonymity was broken, threats were made, a campaign was enacted by Jason to contact many people outside of the meeting, he threatened self-harm, etc.
Dennis – What I said was that the ban carried with it stipulations that he deal with the personal issues he had before we let him back into service.
Suzie – It’s my understanding that when there’s a vote to return to service that the incident is discussed. The police got involved. My goal is to be more transparent and informative about what this ban entailed. It wasn’t just about bombers. Mybe Jason can clarify?
Mark M. – Jason and I have had a lot of conversations about this. It was not just about the bombers. He’s aware of his actions and the consequences of his actions. I told him that I’m vouching for him and that’s a trust that can’t be broken so if another issue occurs there would be radical consequences between him and me. He’s made some amends to people and has more to make. I’m not understating his actions but saying we need to act in the spirit of love, patience and tolerance moving forward.
Jason W – I would feel more comfortable if it were on a limited basis instead of nightly service. Perhaps a trial run?
Jason A – I’m really sincere and I’ve been working really hard. I did things I shouldn’t have done and I’m truly sorry. I called people and they had police check on me. I’ve been really working my program and I’ve been making amends and putting a list together. I shouldn’t have broken the anonymity of the group. The bombers have stopped but I didn’t know how to handle them then. I’d like a 2nd chance.
Jayna – If Jason is allowed back in service there should be boundaries. If you have access to the names and phone numbers in the service chat, you shouldn’t be able to use those against others. I had to file a complaint. To protect others I think there has to be a boundary. Maybe no access to service members on a personal level.
Noelle – Jason called me trying to influence my vote on an upcoming BM issue that I wasn’t even aware of. When I balked he said he was going to get a gun and kill himself, knowing that I was in the midst of dealing with my suicidal teenager. We had to call the police and it was really disturbing and disruptive to my day. I don’t think Jason should be returned to service. I think he belongs as a member of our group and I care about him but I don’t believe he should be in a service position with access to other’s personal info.
John – I’m reminded of this stuff now and think more discussion is needed before making a decision.
Christian – Jason needs to be given a fair path back into service with measurable goals and boundaries he needs to meet in order to return. (ie. not allowed to reach out to someone without them reaching out to him first).
Motion to not allow Jason A. back into service at this time – Vote 8 yes/8 no (not passed).
Motion to allow Jason A back into service – Vote 7 yes/7 no (not passed).
Topic tabled until next BM.
- Topic for BM Agenda – Lauren S.
We need to start considering the GUTS Anniversary coming up on 11/2/24. At the last minute, I threw together last year’s masquerade theme. We already approved having an Anniversary Committee as per GC from last year. We just need folks to start coordinating the next Anniversary. Starting off ahead of time means the Anniversary will be planned better.
Lauren – The Anniversary Committee will include anyone interested. They will work autonomously to create the event and those interested in volunteering should sign up by Oct 12th. Information has been posted to the GUTS feeds.
Motion to allow Lauren to start the committee – Seconded and passed (16 yes/ 0 dissent)
TABLED FOR NOV BM:
- Topic for BM Agenda (Tabled at June BM) – Lauren
I am proposing a voluntary committee to work on cataloguing all group conscience and creating a GC Manual. Some work has already been done towards this, but I am hoping we can get a group of experienced members together to finish the task.
- Topic for BM Agenda (Tabled at June BM) – Lauren
Any group-approved BM topic/proposal that has not been facilitated for 3 months will be tabled until a concrete proposal is brought to the group. Investigation and background work for accomplishing those topics can still be done. Bring the completed project to the group when it is ready for group approval and implementation. My main concern is the follow-through on projects that have been left undone for months. The group has amazing ideas, but keep in mind that work must be done for these ideas to be accomplished.
- Topic for BM Agenda (Tabled at August BM) – Christian B
Requesting that we allow the BM Chair, SC Chair and the Secretaries to have the ability to upload Meeting Notes to the web site. It was brought to my attention this past month that the website had a few discrepancies with the titles of BM notes. It was sorted out and now needs to be corrected on the site. It would be more efficient if the creators of these documents were able to upload directly to the site.
SC Meeting Notes: Minutes are able to be posted to the site, however we do not know who has the access to do so – we will need to designate a few members to do this, as soon as we know how to grant access to these individuals, we can assign this role.
- Topic for BM Agenda (Tabled at Oct BM) – Dennis
I would like to suggest we have a sponsorship workshop. Maybe even repeat it every 2-3 months. We can begin by setting up a committee to organize it. I would be willing to serve on the committee
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