Steering Committee Minutes 4/27/25
SC Members ~
Suzie M. – Chair
Lauren – BM Chair
Elle – Treasurer
John E, Kristen, Rachel, Kimberly, Jason W, Gabrielle, Christian
Kimberly ~ Topic for the BM
We didn’t accomplish a vote to make a change to the script regarding men with men, and women with women. I’d like to put the reminder out there that we should consider making an adjustment to both the verbal and chat scripts regarding that suggestion. Reviewed and Vote 8-0 to forward to the BM
Kimberly ~ Topic for BM
I have searched the GC and can’t find anywhere that hosts and co-hosts need to report 15 minutes prior to their scheduled hour. If it is not the current GC, I’d like to propose that it become required to report in to WhatsApp and Zoom 15 minutes prior to the start of the shift to start and keep the meetings flowing smoothly. It’s been an issue before the first hour, and for other meetings it’s important to have time for everyone to establish co-host roles. Reviewed and Vote 8-0 to forward to the BM
Kimberly ~ Topic for BM
Online/Zoom Meetings – Even in virtual formats, recording is strongly discouraged (and usually prohibited by group conscience), and many groups disable the recording function entirely. There really isn’t a clear statement from AA/the GSO specifically related to recording in Zoom meetings. All I can find anywhere is “usually” prohibited. I’d like to request that we add the following line to the voice and chat script so that it is made a part of our GC.
“Recording meetings is against the spirit and practice of the fellowship, and it’s not allowed out of respect for anonymity and personal privacy.” Reviewed and vote 8-0 to forward to the BM
Bentley ~ Reporting harassment or inappropriate behavior during a meeting
A member of the group posted that she was video and audio recording the meeting session. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all of our traditions. What assurances do we have that this member will not continue to break that tradition. How are we as a meeting safeguarding that tradition. Reviewed and Vote 8-0 to not forward to the BM
Bentley ~ Topic for BM
Need to have better clarification on what kind of crosstalk is allowed during shares and what’s not. Passive aggressive crosstalk has been prevalent more lately and we should have better clarification for the meeting. Reviewed and VOTE 8-0 to not move forward to the BM. Hosts/Cohost can work to redirect by voice or by chat discussion mentioned in current GC’s.
Momma Christi ~ Reporting Harassment or inappropriate behavior during a meeting
Hey, right after I hosted on 4-16-25, I was still just as we were in the transition period from me to the next host. I received these aggressive direct messages from Jesus.
Jesus 2:13 AM – THE CAKE WAS NOT FOR YOU,….WAS FOR JOHN AND EVERYONE WHO WISH TO CELEBRATE HIM
Jesus 2:14 AM – AND YOU ARE NOT MY MOMMA,…JAJJAJAJAJAJJA JUST ONE MORE ALCOHOLIC
I know his guest comment was because I reacted to a string of cake emojis in the chat with a laugh emoji (it also wasn’t clear at all what the cakes were for). Otherwise unprovoked and I did not respond. Of course he started soon after and talked a lot about kindness lol. I’m not too upset but nobody should be conducting themselves this way plus he might do it to someone it really bothers. Thanks. Reviewed and Vote 8-0 to not forward to the BM. It appears there was some misunderstandings in communication. Will monitor for any reoccurrence.
Feedback on service team ~ Pete
- My opinion is people want to hear shares not feedback. On 4/12 we had 5 shares, none were particularly long and one of them was for 30 seconds. The host just keeps talking. I’ve been around AA for many years and find it unnecessary and ruins the flow of the meeting. (condensed)
2nd Feedback submission ~ Pete
- Thursday 17 GUTS time! Host (mentioned above) talked for 27 minutes that is not an AA meeting imo.
When he finished his hour I commented in the chat that I looked forward to us having an AA meeting in the following hour and that 27 minutes hearing the host takes away the purpose of my being there! HOST then removed me from the meeting! This seems to have upset a few people!
At the risk of sounding arrogant, I may just have said something in the remaining hours that could have saved a life! I think of myself as nobody special but feel I share good stuff especially for newcomers! In future I will log off when he hosts which is a shame and had put my name down to serve the group but cannot do that while you keep him in service
Thank you for reading , sorry it’s so long. Reviewed and Vote 7-0 to forward to the business. Feedback on Daren as host
Kimberly ~ Reporting harassment or inappropriate behavior during a meeting, topic for BM, feedback on service team
- a. On 4/21 Daz posted a funny comment in the chat that was directed at his friend. He was immediately booted from the meeting with no warrant. I have obtained a copy of the screenshot and have submitted it to Suzie. I later found out that on this day, the participant was celebrating his two year soberversary. He couldn’t come back into the meeting so we could celebrate with him. Principles before personalities are not being practiced. The co-host who kicked him out would not identify themself.
- b. It is not appropriate and is against GC to remove anyone without it being warranted by CLEAR evidence (such as porn, etc.) and should be discussed with co-hosts for a decision to first be made as a group. This has become a regular and ongoing problem. The same goes for deleting chat messages without good reason.
- c. One 4/21 the host Daren, used the Safety Card portion of the announcements to elaborate on the situation between the participant and said friend (as mentioned above) and himself as a way to get his personal message across. This was grossly inappropriate use of his host responsibility and duty to the group.
- d. There is no reason that it should take 25 minutes to get through announcements. Not all hosts follow the script and choose to elaborate on what is already provided for us to use. This is taking significant time away from the meeting, leaving little time for shares. This, paired with 2.5 to 3 minutes of host feedback leaves almost no time for actual shares. There are often comments posted in the chat with remarks directed at the Host for how much time is taken away from the meeting. I hope we can find a way to make each our most effective for everyone involved. (Condensed). Long review on these feedback entries for harassment and a misuse of Daren’s host role, not following host guidelines and GC. Vote 8-0 to forward to the BM.
Topic for BM ~ Daz
I struck up a light-hearted, joking exchange with a service. We were joking publicly in the chat, something harmless and I thought, funny. Afterward, I continued the playful tone with a few direct messages. One of them was clearly exaggerated to the point of being absurd—something like claiming I was an “AA powerhouse” who could “make or break someone’s recovery for $20.”
Shortly after, without any warning, I was removed from the meeting. It quickly became clear that I had been intentionally kicked out. I wasn’t given any explanation about what rule I had violated or how my behavior warranted removal.
A few days later, I tried to express some of what I was feeling during a share. “Host” was hosting that meeting. I spoke carefully: no names, no cursing, just trying to be discreet and honest about what had happened. However, shortly into my share, Host interrupted me. He said something like, “What does this have to do with alcoholism?” or “Keep it focused on alcohol.”
Since then, I’ve noticed other small moments that reinforce the feeling that certain members—particularly co-hosts—are policing the meeting space inconsistently. Harmless chat comments have been removed without explanation.
None of this feels aligned with the spirit of AA, where mistakes can be discussed, and newcomers especially are offered patience and grace.
I’m not writing this to stir division or resentment. I’m writing because I believe G.U.T.S. is a strong meeting with a good turnout and many sincere people—and because experiences like mine could drive newcomers away if we aren’t careful.
I would love to see greater transparency, consistency, and communication moving forward. (Condensed) There was a lengthy review of this feedback where we discussed cohost retraining may be utilized in these instances and that the host plays an important role on following GC on removal of participants and monitoring the chat. Host Daren, Sabrina and Haley were in service on this occasion. Vote 8-0 to forward to the BM.
Topic for the BM ~ Elle
Additional Suggestions/Updates for Consideration:
- Discuss need to move the group’s current bank account with Novo Online Bank to new financial institution Relay Online Bank. Reason: Current bank, although it legally recognizes AAGUTS on account as nonprofit, it does not allow additional users and therefore would require a shared password and exposes sensitive information of the individual who opened the account. Proposed Bank: Role-based user security options (e.g. make deposits/payments, download statements, etc.) with unique user login/passwords. Protects primary user’s sensitive information.
Other considerations: To switch banks – Long term GUTS members (4 minimum TBD per GC & willingness of member) to coordinate opening a new bank account in person at a brick and mortar allowing for multiple signatories. This of course requires group info. EIN, by-laws, etc., and each member will need to provide their SSN, permanent address, etc. and may include credit verification. Will require some coordination & possible travel to set it up. Reviewed with Vote 7-0 to forward to the BM during Treasurer’s report.
- Create a new page on the website for all Service Position Guidelines including: Service Position, Suggested Qualifications (continuous sobriety minimum, GUTS service member minimum (if applicable), other suggested experience/knowledge/skills dependent on service position), Responsibilities, Service Duration. Additionally, separate the co-host/host service guidelines from general co-host/host Service Practices page. *Tabled to next SC meeting
- Host/Co-Host Room Safety & Recovery Training: Actions a Cohost can take to manage and protect a meeting if the need arises. *Discussed – Will review in new member training
Service Guideline Suggestions/Updates for Consideration:
- Zoom Admin(s) for LNG: Propose 2- 3 back-up Zoom admins for LNG
Suggested: Minimum 2 years of continuous sobriety & 1-year continuous member of the GUTS service team. Responsibilities: Limited to room/host recovery as needed
*Primary Zoom Admin retains responsibility of managing account-wide settings and user permissions
Term Length: 1 year minimum. Consider ongoing service terms due to specialized nature of position, with a periodic (annual?) review. (ideally back-ups would only need to rotate in the event they step down, leave service, or are no longer available for LNG) *This may apply to early evening GUTS Zoom back-ups. This feedback was reviewed with Vote 7-0 to forward to the BM.
- Update – Zoom Admin Service Guidelines
Suggested: Minimum 2 years of continuous sobriety & 1-year continuous member of the GUTS service team.
Ideal Experience: Familiarity with Zoom’s admin portal & settings, user groups & role assignment. Sufficient time available to meet the responsibilities of this position.
Responsibilities: Configure/manage Zoom account-wide settings and user permissions to ensure consistency with Zoom best practices (e.g. accessibility) and ensure alignment with AA Traditions & Group Conscience.
Term Length: 1 year minimum. Consider ongoing service terms due to specialized nature of the position, with a periodic (annual?) review to assess performance & rotation of commitment based on group’s and/or individual’s needs. *Tabled to the next SC meeting
- Update – Website/Tech Admin Service Guidelines
Suggested: Minimum 2 years of continuous sobriety & 1-year continuous member of the GUTS service team.
Ideal Experience: Familiarity with website design and maintenance (e.g., WordPress or similar platforms). Sufficient time available to meet the responsibilities of this position.
Responsibilities: Configure/manage website page information, functionality, and user permissions to ensure consistency with web design/maintenance best practices and ensure alignment with AA Traditions & Group Conscience. Coordinate responsibilities with Tech back-ups.
Term Length: 1 year minimum. Consider ongoing service terms due to specialized nature of the position, with a periodic (annual?) review to assess performance & rotation of commitment based on group’s and/or individual’s needs.
*Tech Admin back-up’s (2 per current GC): Same sobriety/experience as primary admin and coordinated responsibilities with Website Admin. 1-year minimum term length and up to two additional terms based on group’s and/or individual’s needs. *Tabled to the next SC meeting
- Update – Treasurer Service Guidelines
Suggested: Minimum 2 years of continuous sobriety & 1-year continuous member of the GUTS service team.
Ideal Experience: Familiarity with basic financial/bookkeeping concepts, spreadsheet proficiency (e.g., Google sheets). Sufficient time available to meet the responsibilities of this position.
Responsibilities: Maintain accurate and organized documentation of all contributions, expenses, and financial transactions. Prepare and file annual non-profit tax reports. Reconcile ORC purchases monthly/quarterly. Provide regular financial updates at group business meetings to ensure transparency and accountability and alignment with AA Traditions & Group Conscience.
Term Length: 1 year minimum. Consider ongoing service terms due to specialized nature of the position, with a periodic (annual?) review to assess performance & rotation of commitment based on group’s and/or individual’s needs.
*New – Treasurer back-up: Same sobriety/experience/term length as above and coordinated responsibilities with Treasurer. Note: Both Treasurer and Treasurer back-up must either serve as a concurrent SC member or non-voting Board member and named on list of Directors for purposes of non-profit annual state reporting, providing some level of protection from personal liability for actions taken per GC and in good faith as part of their role. *Tabled to the next SC meeting