Present: Chair, Trish W.; Secretary/Past Delegate, Nancy P.; Treasurer/DR9, Garry H.; Alt. Delegate/Answering Service, Nancy D.; Alanews/DR1, Deb W.; Alateen/DR8, Candice M.; Archives, Toni R.; Group Records, Jean F.; Literature, Beaddie G.; Website, Rick D.; Alt. DR2, Mary Lou D.; DR10, Kate M. Absent: Delegate, Pat W.; AA Liaison/DR7, Melinda H.; AAPP/DR2, Vince D.; Convention 2015, Carol W. Guests: Janice A.; Past Delegate, Judi O. Unfilled Positions: Convention 2016, Forum, Public Outreach, DR3, DR4, DR5, DR6, DR12 Agenda attached. (See accompanying documents) The meeting opened at 12:00 PM with a moment of silence followed by the Serenity Prayer, introductions and the reading of the three Legacies. Members continued reading the Concept 4 story from the agenda. Nancy D. shared a participation is the key to harmony story working with the new Answering Service vendor stating it s not always what you think. They don t report to you; they will call when they call. It s about allowing others to do what they are going to do participating together the new contract most important thing is harmony my participation is part of that. A total count was taken with 13 total members present and one more entered after the Secretary s Report making the total present 14. The AWSC voting members count was 11. The quorum of eight needed was met. The number of votes needed to pass votes at today s AWSC meeting would be 8 (2/3 of 11). Trish stated we use KBDM as the process to vote and distributed a handout on KBDM. (See accompanying documents) Discussion points included the following comments/opinions: Nancy P. stated there were only four questions under the Five Important Questions Trish Read # 5 What do we wish we knew but don t? Trish continued distributing and reading the Chairperson Report. (See accompanying documents) A card to send to the Delegate at Conference was circulated. Secretary s Report: Nancy P. explained that she had received two requests to change the minutes via email and per AWSC consensus could not change anything prior to today s meeting. She distributed the following information explaining that she had not been able to read part of her notes that day in a discussion with Nancy D. clarified that the portion in blue needed to be added. This request to be inserted on Page 5 BEFORE: The tabled discussion about the Answering Service will now come after the Treasurer s report Treasurer s Report: AFTER the last bullet: Nancy D. stated again not until May; they could regroup by email Nancy P. questioned the Thought Force working on the Answering Service; explained that the previous Panel s Task Force on Incorporation had been assigned four tasks which were then questioned a year later and then told that they could not do one of the tasks because the Task Force could only work on one task Trish stated that when Nancy D. stated the Thought Force was working the problem with the Answering Service, she had been pointing to herself meaning she was working on the Answering Service problem not the Thought Force AWSC members had no objection to adding the above. Nancy P. continued explaining the second request to change the minutes came from our Treasurer and felt that the suggested changes had not been stated at the January meeting and could be read into today s minutes. Garry agreed. There was no objection. Nancy P. read the following from the email received (original email attached See accompanying documents) I've read the January AWSC Draft minutes more than once. Couple of items I would like to address and have adjusted Ric B mentioned he had spoken to Garry about using formerly known as or doing business as. Ric B and I have never spoken on any phone about this or any other matter. At that point I believe he was addressing a question that I slipped into the discussion Garry found it hard to approach with an open mind; to be sure he d like to see some independent attorney confirm the process; I believe I said I was trying to approach it with an open mind and still am. I do have names of NH non-profit attorneys but as of today have not contacted any. You know, I've tried focusing on Concept 7. The Trustees have legal rights while the rights of the Conference are traditional I can see where the separation can be beneficial. It's almost like the separation of church and state where the state is a legal entity and the church reflects our spirituality. Right now, the logistics of making this happen are still muddy to me but getting better. I did like that Ric B said it could be as simple as going through a name change and here's why I believe it could be the first place to start. There is nothing on the state name change form that requires us to submit by laws and a charter along with it and the $25. Keep in mind, the state has the final decision of what we choose for a name. I'm guessing there would be no objection from that entity. The name change then would submitted to the IRS Town of Concord where we Are incorporated, and our Bank Accompanying documents available upon request through secretary@nhal-anon.org 1 of 11
Speaking of the Bank. Al-Anon/Alateen Family Groups New Hampshire was the name voted on in October 2013. I took from the conference call to have that revisited because of the Alateen in there. There are also -only so many characters available on the bank cheques. Instead of NHWSA Area 35,-now) ; I think it could be shrunk to AFGNH Area 35) A simple amended vote when the time comes is really no big deal. Kate requested the following changes be made to what she had stated on page 4, the 7 th bullet changing stated a NH attorney to stated an out of state attorney and inserting a NH attorney to review the changes between we need and someone who understands NH. Also on page 7 changing sent out probably 600 packets to sent out probably 600 AFAs There was no objection. A motion to accept the January 2015 Minutes as amended was made and seconded. The motion passed. (See Motion Addendum Motion # 1 - page 11) Discussion points included the following comments/opinions: Janice asked if it was possible to put Ric B so as not to confuse with Rick from our Area Nancy P. indicated yes Nancy P. continued stating she had a couple of items to bring up before looking at the March AWSC Minutes. Trish stated this was not on the agenda. Nancy P. indicated it was part of her Secretary s Report and asked members to please be aware that some email being sent to the secretary mailbox from personal email addresses are bouncing back as undeliverable for some unknown reason. If that happens please use her personal email address listed as past delegate. She had hoped that the Website Coordinator would be here to discuss what to do. Both Trish and Kate indicated the same thing was happening with their box. Trish stated that it started when Network Solutions had recently updated. Nancy P. also asked the following questions: Several Reports were sent out in February. Even though we did not meet due to the weather cancelling the meeting, does this body want them documented in an accompanying document format for Area records? AWSC members indicated yes by a show of hands. Are we going to discuss the secretary reading of motions? Trish stated No not today. Continuing with the approval of the March AWSC meeting minutes, a motion to accept the March 2015 Minutes was made and seconded. The motion passed. (See Motion Addendum Motion # 2 - page 11) Treasurer s Report: Garry showed/read the 2015 NH Al-Anon Balance Sheet 31 March 2015 on the overhead screen. Report attached (See accompanying documents). Garry asked Nancy P. if she had a question about the bank from earlier. Nancy P. indicated no that was from his email. Garry explained that he would not be present at the August AWSC meeting and a budget committee member would present the proposed budget for him. He will also be gone in October and a budget committee member will present the proposed budget to the Assembly. A motion was made to accept the Treasurer s Report. The motion passed. (See Motion Addendum Motion # 3 - page 11) Please note: the number of voting members increased to 12; number of votes needed to pass remains 8 (2/3 of 12). Old Business: Vacant Coordinator Positions: Trish stated the following positions were open: Public Outreach, Forum, 2016 Convention Coordinator. No one expressed interest in standing. Trish explained that there had been a question about the Forum Coordinator position being open at the March Assembly. She had sent a certified letter to our Forum Coordinator which was returned as undeliverable, the officers had met and removed the Forum Coordinator from the position. Discussion points included the following comments/opinions: Nancy P. stated she believed the By-Laws stated the AWSC needed to vote Trish read and stated the following: o NH Area Officers will review the concerns with the individual. The letter was sent; the officers met. o NH Area Officers will make recommendations to the NH AWSC. Minority appeal may be presented at this meeting. The officers recommend removal o NH AWSC will review the recommendations and approve necessary action. A vote is needed o A brief summary of the situation and action will be reported at the next Assembly. A motion was made to remove the Forum Coordinator opening that position. The motion passed. (See Motion Addendum Motion # 4 - page 11) Discussion points continued with the following comments/opinions: Nancy P. clarified that the four officers may have met but that she was not informed of any meeting to discuss this. Trish stated the intention was not to not include her in any officer meeting Task Force on Incorporation Restructure: Nancy D. stated she would give the Alternate Delegate s Report at this time as this was included in that report. Report attached. (See accompanying documents) Nancy D. thanked Nancy P. for the detailed account of the phone call with Ric B. in the January minutes. She also thanked Toni for the KBDM done with her workshop. She distributed a handout that our Delegate created A Picture Says a Thousand Words handout attached (See accompanying documents) and explained Toni s handout and the answers to the five Accompanying documents available upon request through secretary@nhal-anon.org 2 of 11
questions will also be included in the presentation about restructuring at the May Assembly. Discussion points included the following comments/opinions: Nancy P. asked where did the term restructure come from. We are not restructuring the Area; we are correcting a mistake that was made; she believed the term that Ric B had used was align with the spiritual principles. Nancy D. stated so noted and continued reading answers to the questions asked from the conference call. Jean read several definitions of restructure including organized differently and referencing financial restructuring and several synonyms including reorganize... Toni stated she believed Ric B had used realigned or reordered and suggest to use to align Deb asked what would be used Nancy D. stated she was comfortable with realign Rick D. stated he had a question Nancy D. asked that he let her read first from Toni s handout that will be put into the summary of the KBDM Thought Force which may explain Rick s question; reviewing the Picture Says a Thousand Words handout she stated this will give anonymity to the Board of Directors; the legal documents will be signed by the Directors Rick asked about the word ratified ; does this mean only five people (the officers) vote? Nancy D. explained the Assembly will vote; the Board will ratify Trish stated the Board will ratify all Assembly motions after each Assembly Janice asked if the Directors would then get to say yes or no to the Assembly s decisions Trish stated the Assembly makes the motion; as an example, the motion to sign the piece of paper for the border groups to go to VT if legally caused an issue the Board would not approve it and send it back to the Assembly Nancy D. stated this separates the legal from the traditional Janice asked if the Board could deny a motion Kate stated Ric B talked about Concepts 6, 7 and 8 regarding giving power to the Board; these Concepts indicate the balance of power Nancy D. stated she would add a footnote to show Kate suggested the footnote to talk about the balance of power and have on hand the pamphlet about the Concepts that explains the Concepts in language that is understandable Trish asked if she had one Nancy D. produced the pamphlet Rick stated whoever put the handout together did a fantastic job because it clarifies everything for him Nancy D. stated Pat W. put it together Rick stated in the work world this type of chart drives home the points of process. The Assembly approves, then to the officers, ratified by the officers. If ratified, how does the Assembly know? If not ratified, how does the Assembly know? If not approved at the Assembly, can the Board override? Trish referenced Concept 7 Judi read from page 195 of the Service Manual (starting with the 2 nd paragraph If someday... ) stating the Assembly still has the power Nancy D. stated she will make a notation Nancy P. clarified an earlier statement that anonymity is given to the Assembly members not the Board Nancy D. agreed and stated when voting it is important to give as much information as needed to make everyone comfortable; the recommendation is as follows: o To move ahead with realignment o To have an attorney review the documents and update the documents to meet NH law o To set aside $2500 for the attorney s fee Garry stated as he wrote to Nancy (P) [email text above] and from the Assembly the questions How much is this going to cost?; One member stating that X number of dollars had been spent; that was so many years ago. The cost is more than he had expected. He worked with Nancy (D) from the thought force and contacted Toni to go to the attorney with him. All three attorneys contacted were experienced in Non-Profit law; were informed we re already incorporated, if starting new they would walk us through. He went into the treasury end with the attorney. He has learned to get three bids, a formal bid is necessary. He wrote email to three attorneys and sent it to Toni as well indicating already incorporated, need work done. One sent a proposal; one sent a proposal and he talked solo with that one and the third Toni and he met with together. All said it would take 2 to 6 hours to take care of this. One firm indicated $200/hour; the 2 nd charged $350/hour but would charge $250/hour for non-profits and the 3 rd said he had to make a living and charges $350/hour. Estimating 10 hours the cost would be around $2500 under the present configuration. Two of the three said we are not doing this right. The concept of an advisory board of 85 groups making decisions might as well have an 85 member Board. The spiritual concept of 5 taking the word of 85 would have to be explained. It was understood that the fee would include talking to the Executive Director. Accompanying documents available upon request through secretary@nhal-anon.org 3 of 11
Toni stated the attorney met in person would do this for a set fee of $3000 for 10 to 12 hours; he would develop our bylaws. We know we are an upside-down corporation; the attorney was absolutely appalled at that; he would assist naming the Assembly as an advisory board to make recommendation to the board and not be binding to the board. This is not going with Al-Anon s principles; it s like trying to fit a triangle into a square or round hole. We re different and we need to stay different Nancy P. asked was the question asked Do any of these document break NH law? That would keep this simple. There is no need to rewrite the documents. Nancy D. stated her questions were what are the attorneys reviewing? What are they being asked? She is satisfied the work of the Thought Force is done. Now need the next Task Force to do what s next. Recommendations: o Agree to move forward o Agree to review and update the documents including contacting Ric B o Agree to set aside $2500 Jean stated we re ready to hear the report; we re not to the point to ask other questions; it s not beneficial at this point Nancy P. stated we need to have a discussion; we ve already had two NH attorneys review the documents; one was used in 2010 which was OK by the Area then; not sure why it s not OK to use the same attorney now since OK then; apparently some people are not OK with him now. We also need to clarify which question is being asked. Nancy D. stated preliminary questions Garry stated in a conversation with one attorney, if everything is cool; it would only take a couple of hours; that was not given as gospel and we re not there yet. He could have called an attorney and asked how much they would charge per hour. He got hourly rates; starting new would take 2 to 6 hours; but not starting new just cleaning up a little. One attorney said if everything is hunky dory it goes to the State with someone who knows what they re doing, not only paying for review of documents. There is a logistics for presenting this to the State for approval. Garry is not sure who whether he would bring this to the Secretary of State s office. He didn t ask that; he thought the fee was reasonable from that firm Toni stated that was the firm with the flat rate of $3000; but he needs to rewrite it Trish stated we re at the point to ask what do we need to have vote; she wants an informed vote; kudos and thanks to those who went to the attorney; we need information to go back to the groups to have an informed voice; Ric B will help that s the icing on the cake by having an attorney talk to another attorney. Does the Area want to go forward; say so then this will be what takes place or find there is not enough information; everyone has information needed; there are four sets of documents on the Internet; take out of our hands Nancy P. first want to clarify there are two sets of documents on the web site the proposals and the proposed revisions to those two documents not 4 different documents. Since she did not know what was being presented before today to have a knowledge base to work from, she wanted to volunteer to read the documents with the proposed changes at the Assembly even though it s boring. It was was done in 2010 and there was no problem. Everyone understood what was going on with the same knowledge base. Also Maine is working on an item (Background checks for AMIAS) sending information to Maine Assembly GRs who brought the wording of the motions back to the groups prior to their vote in October. It is also important to read the proposed motions to the Assembly with the necessary changes since the names have changed from last panel, and she volunteered to do that as well Kate suggested simplifying reviewing the documents; working out the details with an attorney having not discussed the details yet; consider convening a Task Force on how to move forward and how to present the documents to the Assembly; recommends to move forward and review the documents and set aside the $2500 Trish stated the reason for the Task Force was to make the recommendation to be done; now needs to be done on the Assembly level; Participation is the key to harmony; the task for us is to present this you folks as the link of service; then go forward Nancy P. stated she agreed with the way Kate had stated review the documents without stating updating the document; she objects to the wording update the documents Toni stated this is what we plan to go with to the Assembly; before the vote this needs to be considered: we absolutely must go to Ric B before the vote when everything is set to say here are the things that are going to be voted on; they need to meet NH laws and AWSC approval; Ric B had very good suggestions when this was done before last panel Nancy D. stated all would be sent to Ric B Judi stated in theory if all is fine whatever we ve put in is set. Ric B s contact information must be given to the NH attorney, if he gets where Al-Anon comes from the traditional and speaks to the legalese, all Ric needs is to be sure it s traditionally sound still. Ric B said it in the conference call it looks good he recommended to make sure NH law is not being violated Nancy D. stated she is good with the task force Kate stated the Assembly has not voted on this yet Task Force on Alternate Position Vote Toni distributed and read a handout. Handout attached. (See accompanying documents) Discussion points included the following Accompanying documents available upon request through secretary@nhal-anon.org 4 of 11
comments/opinions: Trish asked can this be written up in context of 5 KBDM questions? Deb responded if it would advance us to a vote Trish stated this is the process we re using for voting now Candice asked Deb to email information out to Task Force when done Nancy P. asked when did the Assembly vote to use the five questions? Trish stated that is not on the agenda Nancy P. stated it just got put on the agenda by asking the question about the five questions. We ve seen three different methods of KBDM and the Assembly has not approved any of them Candice stated she agreed with Nancy (P). We as the task force were not asked to use the five questions; if we do we ll come up with the same thing; presenting what we found; it s ready to present Trish stated she was not saying that it s wrong; it s just aligning with the process Kate read the purpose of the AWSC from page 5 of the Area By-Laws; this proposal does not seem unifying; you guys couldn t come up with solutions; she feels we should be unified; we re not doing our job; seems like it is our mess, not doing our work; we need to discuss this before going to Assembly Rick stated coming up with options is great to present, what would we be recommending? Have we contacted the WSO about this? Trish stated that is part of the KBDM process Candice stated she sent a question via email to the WSO explaining the situation; the district wants voice; she holds two positions Alateen Coordinator and DR; the person who responded said that some Areas allow, some don t, generally don t; Nancy P got some information from the Delegates on line because another Delegate posted the same question and found some Areas do and some don t Rick stated this reinforces the point of KBDM, the format would allow that Janice asked is this the same set up with autonomy for Area like some groups open with a little information where other groups don t use the same; does the Area have autonomy to set the way of voting?? Yes Candice stated the Alternate voting was OK at one meeting; then decided not OK not until this is decided Janice stated so we need to set up autonomy how Area 35 does voting Deb stated go back to basics; in order to practice KBDM we need to do the five questions; just because we haven t done them Nancy P. disagreed KBDM has not been defined in the Area documents; the Assembly makes the decisions not the officers; not the Chairperson Deb stated she has been in program long enough to know in the past Delegates have presented what the Area is to do Nancy P. restated it is not defined Trish referenced Concept 8 Nancy D. stated it delegates full responsibility Trish read information about Concept 8; it s about trust and keeping hands off delegated responsibilities; March 2014 did a PowerPoint on KBDM; She has been presenting this to the Area each meeting since then; if you Google it you will get a plethora of information; Roberts Rules are not defined in the Area documents; this will work for the next year and a half; I m the Chair Nancy P. stated that she had received an email from Mary Lou M. last panel when a member contacted WSO asking why KBDM was not in the Service Manual. Mary Lou M. referenced that Roberts Rules were not in the Service Manual either but they are also used at Conference. Likewise everything does not have to be in the Area documents to be used if there is precedence set for using it. The Assembly needs to decide. Nancy distributed a handout entitled The Right of Decision referencing Concept 3 and Concept 1. Handout attached. (See accompanying documents) Trish banged the gavel stating you ve gone here before; this is not on the agenda Nancy P. stated that Concept 8 does not stand alone and since she had just brought that up it is on the agenda Trish continued to bang the gavel stating you are out of line, I m Chair Nancy P. responded I think you are out of line Janice suggested a five minute break Following the break, reference regarding the Concepts was withheld Trish stated Deb agreed to answer the five KBDM questions and come back Kate asked what does it mean come back? To AWSC? Not to go to Assembly? Trish asked for consensus by show of hands to come back to AWSC not Assembly. Consensus was given. Garry indicated he needed to leave the meeting. Number of voting members now 11. Accompanying documents available upon request through secretary@nhal-anon.org 5 of 11
Love Gifts Trish stated that Nancy P. sent out the address to send love gifts to our Delegate at Conference this past week. New Business: Set Up Agenda Items May Assembly Trish stated agenda items to include Service Survey and asked Nancy D. to explain. Nancy D. distributed a Service Survey (Attached See accompanying documents) and explained it was a work in progress to find out if members are interested in service; to answer questions about service; can we help?; if in agreement could post on web site; could do links of service workshops; have members participate. Consensus to put on agenda Trish stated that Calendar quotes could be done in time for convention and handed quotes to go around the room part of the room saw this paper. If we decided to do this; Consensus to put on agenda The following agenda items were discussed above: Al-Anon Area Service Survey Calendar Quotes from WSO for 2016 Trish asked if there was anything else? Someone asked anything else? Trish stated for the agenda in May. Beaddie mentioned a skit about literature. Kate asked what is on the agenda? Trish listed the following: Incorporation Realignment Service Survey Calendar Quotes Delegate Report Literature Skit Toni stated she has found she cannot multi-task; also for agenda the Historian Job Description. Discussion points included the following comments/opinions: Trish stated the Historian Job Description is off the table at this point in time. A description/position was mentioned in the August, September and October 2013 minutes; a member presented a job description and the same member presented a motion and was voted in as Historian. In 2014 this position was challenged in the Area. In 2013 a single person brought this forward and was voted into the position voted in without a job description. She contacted the person and Toni and she networked to request the job description put forth in 2013 be presented. She has requested that information from that member and until contacted this will not be on the Area agenda. He has not contacted her. Toni stated this proposed description has only been presented once; not again; only that one time. It is his written description. There is no information in the minutes on his oral report; it was not a written report; This proposed job description is his report; the two of us worked together on the proposal looking at Archives and ideas for Historian and that s what he and I came up with Trish stated this is since the 2013 Assembly Toni stated in the minutes it was explained orally; he does not have a written report; this report is his written report; it is his proposal; we cannot have an Area job without a job description Candice stated Dennis needs to email it to Trish Toni asked are you saying when he formally emails you this, it will get on the agenda? Trish stated she wants the description of the job description in 2013 Toni stated he doesn t have it Kate stated she has it and read the following from the October 19, 2013 minutes on pages 3 of 4: Area Historian (non-voting member) Dennis- Explained the position and stated that many Areas have this position. Melinda- As an Area Archivist do you think there is a need for this position? Dennis- Not sure at this time, archives are growing and know that archivist as a single person is hard to do at this time. Records back to the 1960s. Starting to look at information and get organized. Hope for the future is that a committee can go through. At this time yes think there is a need for an Area Historian until information is organized. Very important that storage unit fees need to be paid each year. Motion made by Dennis Approve non-vote Area Archive Historian to serve at discretion of panel is open ended position. Mary seconded. Vote count: 26 In favor, 3 Oppose and 0 Abstaining. Motion passed. Kate continued stating this means he would serve at the discretion of the Area. Trish stated it is off the agenda until defined Toni stated the need to communicate with him; he cannot conjure up exact words used in 2013 Accompanying documents available upon request through secretary@nhal-anon.org 6 of 11
Deb stated the Area did vote in on verbal recommendation; now a year and a half down the road, do we need the Historian position? Toni stated the reason she took the Archives position was because we have a Historian, looking at the description the Historian would answer requests for information about the history of our Area and of Area groups and work with the Archives Coordinator to organize and digitize past Area records. Yes there is a need Janice stated Toni is doing a good job as Archivist Deb and Janice asked if Dennis is participating Toni indicated he was; projects are on hold Trish asked why? Toni stated she would like to work together Trish asked why not working together acting as Historian Toni stated he d have to be asked about that; she doesn t know how someone would perform a job without knowing the job description Nancy P. stated this is not a Chairperson s decision; according to the By-Laws it is the AWSC s decision as to what goes on the Assembly s agenda Trish stated uh huh Nancy D. indicated she thought there is enough on the agenda as is now Mary Lou asked if this is a non-performance question Judi stated he doesn t have a job description to perform Kate stated she would like to see a discussion; in 2014 it kept getting put off; this is a not a voting position; we had discussed taking two bullets off Trish stated we will discuss this at the next AWSC Jean suggested inviting Dennis Trish stated principles above personalities Jean stated he needs to state why Consensus was to put on August AWSC agenda by show of hands Trish counted 11stating think 11 and asked Nancy P if she had voted. Nancy P. stated she would abstain Candice asked what is on the agenda Trish restated the following: o Incorporation Realignment o Service Survey o Calendar Quotes o Delegate Report o Literature Skit District Representative Reports: D-1 Report attached. (See accompanying documents) D-2 Report attached. (See accompanying documents) Mary Lou read the report in Vince s absence. D-3 No DR and No report D-4 No DR and No report D-5 No DR and No report D-6 No DR and No report D-7 No report Nancy D. read an announcement about a 5 th Week Anniversary. Flyer attached. (See accompanying documents) D-8 Report attached. (See accompanying documents) D-9 No report. D-10 Kate read the following report. Nancy P. asked for a copy as she did not take notes because she saw Kate reading the report. Kate asked that the report be copied into the minutes not as part of the accompanying documents. Nancy P. stated she would do that. Tuesday night Bedford New Hope Group is moving to the Bedford Hills Center at 30 Colby Court, Bedford, NH starting April 21 st. Same time 7:30-8:30. Flyer attached. (See accompanying documents) Monday night Group GR shares an interesting tidbit. He keeps a group email distribution list and regularly sends out the GR newsletter. He received feedback from a member who had fallen away from Al-Anon who came back after a long period of time directly because of those emails. Lindsay from the Monday Night Alateen group attended the Bedford High School Health fair this past week. This is the third year Al-Anon/Alateen has attended. It s important to note that the Monday night Alateen group s attendance has been fluctuating. Right now it has only one regular member. Our district is creating a handout for all the groups who would like to participate in our district. The handout will have a brief description of the different types of Al-Anon & Alateen meetings and then each meeting in the district will have a short paragraph on what their meeting is like. We hope this encourages cross meeting attendance to support some of the struggling meetings. And also inform the membership of the variety of meeting types available to them. We have a member in the district creating display packets Accompanying documents available upon request through secretary@nhal-anon.org 7 of 11
for any meeting that would like one. The packet includes laminated slogan display cards, Alateen info, the Al-Anon Declaration among other items. The district is paying for supplies. District 10 will be holding a workshop of Saturday, June 20 th at St. Raphael s in Manchester. We re concentrating on fellowship, fun and higher power. There will be Alateen style games for Al-Anoners, God Box making and a writing workshop. Depending on feedback from the writing workshop, we may create a longer form writing workshop to send submissions to WSO later this year. One of the more expressive moments at our district meeting was a discussion on the March Assembly. The GR s had some concern about the Assembly. Those concerns included: What can we do to get our AWSC working together as a team? I m disappointed in how AWSC member conduct themselves and that the leadership fails to manage the situation. I feel like this leads to us not having a voice at the WSC. I would have liked to discuss the Chosen Agenda Items and the amendments to the handbook during the delegate s report. It s very discouraging and as this was my first Assembly, it s a deterrent to service. I try to bring my best healthy self to an Assembly I have the same opinion, but how do we resolve the issue? Team building exercises? Time limits? Sticking to the agenda? Fire leadership? This happened last panel and it s happening again. We need to think about who we re voting into position. Follow our traditions with principles above personalities which we re not doing right now. D-12 No DR and No report Trish stated it was 3:00 and we still have Coordinator reports and asked for a show of hands of those willing to stay. Consensus was to stay. Coordinator Reports: AA Liaison No report. AAPP No report. Trish stated Vince has a concern about background checks not getting results from Ulrich. She forgot this was to be on the agenda for the May Assembly. Discussion points included the following comments/opinions: Kate asked Ulrich? Trish responded that Ulrich is the Private Investigator firm and is non-responsive Candice questioned not having a specific date for the background checks to be completed; technically they expired and we can t do the background check right now Janice confirmed there was not a specific date Trish stated we at least need KBDM; to do that we need Vince here Nancy P stated the AAPP does not have the right to change the Area Alateen Requirements. She indicated that she had received an email yesterday from Vince indicating he was going with his proposal 1. Nancy P. started reading the email FYI, after a phone conversation with Pat W... Trish cut Nancy P off stating this was not on the agenda and could not discuss without Vince here Nancy P. stated this needs to be discussed. Concept 3 says that all decisions are made by discussion vote and whenever possible unanimity. Trish stated Concept 3 Nancy P. clarified not Concept meant Warranty 3, we need discussion. The 1 st proposal was to use the State Police which is not a Private Investigator firm and violates the Requirements. The 2 nd proposal was to use an on-line Private Investigator but both of these proposals would change the method of reporting as a full report would be given to the Chairperson not a Pass/Fail which protects anonymity again violating the Requirements Trish stated this body needs to do KBDM Candice asked if this will be discussed before he does the background checks Trish stated he wants to act after the discussion Judi commented that at AWSC we don t have difficult discussions; we get cut off. That s not OK; we need to have dialogue. Concept 3 The right of decision makes effective leadership possible doesn t allow any decision; this has to be part of our By-Laws and Job Descriptions and spiritual principles. She does not believe it would be appropriate to bring this to the Assembly now. It has to be discussed at AWSC first. Vince has done a wonderful job to go with just NH Alateen. That piece I am passionate about. It has to go to AWSC first. It s about Alateen; it s called requirements; it s not in the job description to change this. She d like to see this in August AWSC with discussion about Concept 3 to talk about the right of decision Trish stated that we had that opportunity this morning during the Chairperson s Report. Judi stated Madam Chairperson a member wanted to speak and was not being allowed to; need to take personality out; healing is not happening in the Area; it is not up to the officers to make decisions outside of AWSC; we haven t even talked about the officer meetings Trish stated that is your opinion Nancy D. stated this is off topic; this is about Vince s proposal; she is confused; Is this holding up with Alateen? Accompanying documents available upon request through secretary@nhal-anon.org 8 of 11
Candice stated we need to discuss this here otherwise it would be like ending up with no job description like the Historian; We need Vince to bring it here first; yes that would be holding off for a few months. She recalled at one Assembly we grandfathered in other AMIAS; maybe we could extend the two members waiting for the background checks that same way so not to expire; we re not ready for the changes yet. Janice asked can we ask Vince to hold off Trish stated Vince is very active and we don t want to lose him Candice suggested we allow these two to remain active Trish stated we could bring that very specific piece to the Assembly; bring those two to the Assembly and the rest work out in AWSC?? that would have the person not affected?? can we grandfather them in Trish stated Vince makes decision Trish asked for consensus that just that tiny part to allow those two to continue be brought to the Assembly. The consensus was yes Alateen Report attached. (See accompanying documents) Candice requested that a Task Force/Thought Force be created to review the Requirements. Discussion points included the following comments/opinions: Nancy P. suggested a committee? Candice stated they found a couple of things that need to be updated Trish stated there does not seem to be an immediate need for a Task Force; she will put it on the August AWSC agenda Kate asked if we need KBDM background Trish stated it was just a request to review the document Deb commented that the starting time for the training was a deterrent Candice stated they would need to contact her; others have different time schedules Alanews Report attached. (See accompanying documents) Answering Service Report attached. (See accompanying documents) Archives Report attached. (See accompanying documents) Toni stated she had a part 2 on the Historian Job description and guessed that was off the table for now. Convention 2015 Report attached. (See accompanying documents) Janice read the report in Carol s absence Convention 2016 No Coordinator and No report Historian No Report Forum No Coordinator and No report Group Records Report attached. (See accompanying documents) Judi asked if Jean would prefer that the paperwork go to her instead of WSO? Jean replied Yes. Literature Report attached. (See accompanying documents) Beaddie mentioned getting the creative juices going for writing. Kate stated that s what we re going to do. Public Outreach No Coordinator and No report Website Report attached. (See accompanying documents) Jean read the report as Rick had to leave early Janice stated that District 8 had done a Public Outreach project providing literature for meeting with a Human Resource Class; also downloaded information as they had never heard of Al-Anon; it was very informative; also mentioned Alateen Nancy P. stated she had spoken to Rick at the break about the concern with addresses bouncing back as undeliverable; Rick said he would look into it but Network Solutions may need more information, so her suggestion was for those also experiencing this concern to let Rick know Officer Reports: Delegate No report. Alternate Delegate Report given above. See page 3. Nancy P. stated she had hoped that the Delegate might have sent a report about NERD. She distributed a report she had written knowing there was not enough time to read it and would be willing to answer any questions if members contacted her. Report attached. (See accompanying documents) She had prepared the report because a couple of members had asked about NERD and she felt the Area deserved a report since the Area paid $450 for her to attend. Kate referenced the By-Laws Order of Business included an Evaluation of the meeting which she has not seen on any agenda. Discussion points included the following comments/opinions: Trish asked what does this body want to do? Accompanying documents available upon request through secretary@nhal-anon.org 9 of 11
Kate stated if you are asking me I d have the line item on the agenda; this opens up discussion about the meeting and asks questions like how are we doing as a committee Trish stated this goes along with a discussion she is having with her service sponsor to put one of the questions from an inventory on the agenda; a question like this how are we doing would work very well Nancy D. asked would this be held to 15 minutes??? stated yes The consensus was to put this on the agenda. Trish asked Nancy P. if it had the number to pass. Nancy P. stated she was writing and didn t count specific number as the consensus is not a formal vote Trish asked if this would start at the March Assembly? The consensus was to start at the Assembly. The meeting closed at 3:42 PM with the Al-Anon Declaration. Respectfully submitted, Nancy P. Panel 54 NH Area 35 Secretary Accompanying documents available upon request through secretary@nhal-anon.org 10 of 11
Motion # 1: Motion Addendum: Motion: Motion to approve the January 11, 2015 minutes with the three changes discussed. Motion made by Kate M., Seconded by Deb W. Passed with 10 Yes, 1 No, 0 Abstain 11 Voting Members Passed Motion # 2: Matter under Consideration: March 7 AWSC Minutes Motion: Motion to accept the March 7 th, 2015 minutes as presented. Motion made by Kate M., Seconded by Beaddie G. Passed with 11 Yes, 0 No, 0 Abstain 11 Voting Members Passed Motion # 3: Motion: Accept the Treasurer Report as read Motion made by Nancy, Seconded by Jean F. Passed with 12 Yes, 0 No, 0 Abstain 12 Voting Members Passed Motion # 4: Matter under Consideration: Forum Coordinator Motion: Made a motion that we remove Forum Coordinator s name and reopen the position to and have it available Motion made by Deb W., Seconded by Beaddie G. Passed with 12 Yes, 0 No, 0 Abstain 12 Voting Members Passed Accompanying documents available upon request through secretary@nhal-anon.org 11 of 11