2001 Annual Business Meeting (ABM)
Tuesday, July 10, 2001-Friday, July 13, 2001
Mission San Luis Rey, Oceanside, CA
MINUTES
Conference Theme: 11th Tradition of S. L. A. A.:
“Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, TV, film, and other public media. We need guard with special care the anonymity of all fellow SLAA members.”
Present were 38 delegates from Intergroups and groups in the U. S. and abroad, including delegates from Mexico, Italy, Germany, and Sweden. Also in attendance were nine Board of Trustees members, the Journal editor, one observer (non-voting member), two FWS staff members, and two volunteers (non-voting members). There were 49 voting members in total.
Several Board and Conference Committees submitted reports to the ABM. These appeared in the participant's packets.
Conference By-Laws Committee
Conference Charter Committee
Conference Finance Committee
Interfellowship Committee
Conference Internet Committee
Prison Outreach Committee
Sponsorship Committee
Human Resources Committee
Board Policy Committee
Board Conference and Convention Committee
Board Copyright Committee
Board Finance Committee
Board Legal Committee
Board Literature Committee
Board Nominating Committee
Office Operating Committee
Board Public Information Committee
Frequently used abbreviations:
BMIS: Business Meeting Items Summary
BOT: Board of Trustees
CCC: Conference Charter Committee
CSM: Conference Service Manual
FWS: Fellowship-Wide Services
HP: Higher Power
GENERAL ASSEMBLY, TUESDAY, JULY 10, 2001
General Assembly Convened (1:30-5:00pm)
Orientation was facilitated by Deborah W. (CCC member & micro) and Marcella M. (BOT chair & macro). The back-up person was Robin S. The secretary of this session was Andrew H. The meeting opened with a moment of silence for those that still suffer from sex and love addiction, the Serenity Prayer, and readings of the Preamble, 12 Steps, and 12 Traditions. The delegation was reminded of the conference theme, the 11th Tradition. A welcome was extended to the delegation from the BOT and the CCC. Gratitude was extended to the San Diego Intergroup for their hospitality and their service throughout the ABC. The ribbon colors attached to each nametag were explained, as were the resources available to the delegates.
The room-seating configuration was a circle as voted in a previous ABM. The delegates present introduced themselves, as did the BOT and the CCC members, the Journal editor, and FWS staff. The process of the general assemblies was reviewed. This included: Items to bring to each general assembly (BMIS, Revised CSM, additions to the BMIS, Higher Power) [the delegation was asked to detach previous printed agenda items and replace with revised BMIS]; Two minute check-ins; Confirming the Quorum [46 voting members, 32 a quorum]; Purpose and use of the microphone; Explanation of the roles, facilitation of the meeting (micro, macro, backup), and other assigned roles (spiritual reminder, timekeeper, recorders, tapers, counters, secretary); Purpose of 30 or 60 seconds of silence as a tool of remembering HP in control of the meeting; and reinforce concept of higher power and group conscience.
Phase I and II explained. Phase II was described as use of the Interactive Method of Community Problem Solving referred to in the CSM (p. 55-62), three pros and three cons, and voting process as modified Robert’s Rules of Order. Phase I was explained. Only motions are considered in this process with no opportunity for discussion. There is only one vote. Explanation of minority vote was made. If one or more persons in the minority can’t live with motion for any reason, the motion goes to Phase II. The use of abstention vote and group conscience vote was explained.
15-minute break
General Assembly Reconvened
A review of the schedule was held with corrections/additions of the schedule made (change of date/time of the speaker meeting, deadline for motions submissions to Andrew H. or Deborah W., morning meditation lead by Kitty P. (PA) and Petra R. (Germany) and location, explanation of special or social events [montage of 11th Tradition, mini-auction, wacky meeting], check-out time). One new member and one observer joined the conference making 47 voting members.
Once the review of the schedule was completed, BOT and Conference Committee reports were made: The FWS report was presented by Jenny, FWS General Manager. There was no formal report in the packet due to technical difficulties. Her report included: 1) Changes in office personnel (Jenny Rose Ward as the new General Manager, resignation of and return of Nancy August, resignation of Megan Hall, hire and resignation of Steve S., hire of Daniela DePina, and hire of Antonio Nunes); 2) Increased use and presence of volunteers in the office; 3) SLAA meeting in the office started but currently disbanded; 4) Special recovery meetings currently held at the office; 5) Mary Anne Squillace continues to function as the accountant, guiding Jenny in financial matters [reference made to financial report in packet]; 6) Development of new and revised products (2-month chips, product catalog, foreign language products, World Directory, the anonymous text, the commemorative hardbound text, the Pocket Tool Kit, new contribution envelope, and the Conference Service Manual); 7) Other office activities, such as implementation of credit card vendor, creation of databases, Long Distance Sponsorship Program, increased postage costs, sales incentive program [sale of audiotapes and the Journals]; 8) Planning for the 2001 ABC/M and 25th Anniversary Recovery Convention; and 9) The FWS newsletter increased from 3 to 4 times per year. Jenny asked for assistance in foreign language translation, keeping database current reporting any changes, increased subscriptions to the Journal, stories for the newsletter, sales of products, and sponsors for the LDSP.
Board of Trustees (BOT) report was presented by Marcella M. (BOT Chair). After referring to the formal report, Marcella reported the BOT’s excitement about the 25th Anniversary of Fellowship and acknowledged the convention planning activity. The hiring of the new GM was a huge challenge this year, as well as the biggest change in the office. Staffing changes have resulted in fundamental change in office functioning, environment, and attitude. The BOT has been introspective this year, questioning the role of the Board, recognizing that the fellowship is at a turning point and “coming of age,” and becoming a bigger organization. Marcella invited suggestions, comments, and communication to the BOT from conference members. She also reminded the delegates that each BOT committee submitted specific committee reports that were in the packets.
Conference Committee Reports were made:
The Members Retention Committee, Healthy Relationships Committee, and Service Committee had no representative or report. There was no representative from the Conference Finance Committee; however, there was a report in the packet.
Sponsorship Committee: Ellen S. referred to the written report in the packet and highlighted last year’s world sponsorship day. She stated this year’s world sponsorship day will be August 4, 2001 and hoped that the information generated from these meetings will become part of SLAA conference approved literature. She reiterated the need for long distance sponsors.
Prison Outreach Committee: Dave McM. presented a report, highlighting the toll-free number, the need for pen pals and sponsors for inmates, development of prototype meeting guidelines prepared to facilitate prison meetings, development of flyers developed to communicate POC activity, generating database of Ohio state prisons and addresses for future communication, with a request for any delegate interested in the work of the POC to please join the committee.
Conference Literature Committee: Sam A. presented the report. He explained the purpose of the CLC and coordination with Board to bring literature to printed form. He referenced the BMIS as to the CLC’s feedback to a number of agenda items. He highlighted the development of the Pocket Tool Kit and enumerated the current projects of the CLC.
Journal Committee: Bob F. presented the report. He stressed the need to increase subscriptions and the submission of stories. He also informed the conference that he would be stepping down as editor and announced Andrew H. as the new editor.
Interfellowship Committee: Barry S. presented the IFC report, referring to the report in the packet. He invited new member participation and highlighted minutes from the Forum and survey results.
Conference Internet Committee: Connie P. presented the report. Connie highlighted the committee’s purpose and its coordination with the BOT as well as the online store development, passages of literature in foreign languages, and the search for a web maintenance person. She made a correction to the committee report [referring to the end of third paragraph to add “.html”).
Conference Charter Committee: Robin S. presented the report, referring to the written report in the packet and inviting CCC participation by other committee chairs.
Conference By-Laws Committee: Wayne A. presented the report. He described the function of committee, including assisting Board efforts to maintain Fellowship’s By-Laws. He stated that the New England Intergroup supports committee spiritually, and financially.
The facilitators made reference to page 63 of the CSM, for the list of conference committees and their descriptions. They reminded the conference that Board committees are open to Board members only, but Conference committees can include any member of the Fellowship. One does not have to be a delegate to ABC/M to participate in committee work. Explanation of confidential committee information distributed to committee members also shared.
15-break
General Assembly Reconvened
The Practice Session to practice business method used at ABC/M began with reference to page 44 of CSM. The purpose of this session was explained. Other roles were assigned: Mary D., Robin P., Glenn Y., Jack S (recorders); Dave M. (timekeeper); Ellen S. (spiritual reminder); Dave M. and Darryl G. (vote counters); and Andrew H. (secretary).
The session started with brainstorming an issue for discussion, recommendation required. The practice (pretend) item was: Should BOT members be required to wear uniforms at the Annual Business Meeting?
The facilitators made reference to p. 46-47 the CSM for the process, Problem Identification (Brainstorming)
Consolidation and Prioritization of identified problems, using the n/3 vote to select one problem about which to develop solutions. Brainstorming solutions began with consolidation and prioritization of the solutions. Using the n/3 vote, one solution was identified and a motion tailored. The practice motion was: “Abolish the BOT, effective July 13, 2001.” This motion was seconded. The Phase II process for voting was used beginning with three pros and three cons. A friendly amendment to the motion was offered. It read: “Abolish BOT, effective immediately.” The originator accepted the amendment, as did the person who seconded it. The first vote: 22/13/7. The minority opinion was heard. A second vote was taken: 8/26/6. The minority had changed and their opinions were heard. A third vote was taken: 18/15/7. The facilitator determined the motion passed, however, there was a challenge to the group conscience. The process of the majority vote was explained. A vote to determine group conscience was taken: 6-28. The motion did not pass and the item was referred back to a committee. This ended the practice session.
There was a brief time for announcements. This session ended with a moment of silence and the Serenity Prayer.
General Assembly was adjourned at 6:00pm.
General Assembly Reconvened (7:30-9:00pm)
This session began with a moment of silence, the Serenity Prayer, 12 Steps, 12 Traditions, and check-ins.
Delegates from Sweden and New York introduced themselves. Voting Members/Quorum = 49/34. Roles were assigned: Andrew H. (micro); Wayne A. (macro); Roger S. (back-up); Deborah W. (secretary); Mary D. & Paula B. (counters); Brandon L. (timekeeper); Robin P. (spiritual reminder). Phase I reviewed and this session began.
The results of Phase I were as follows:
01o01/97-11
Tabled (See * below)
01o02/97-15
Referred to Phase II
01o03/97-18
Referred to Phase II
01o05/98-5
Referred to Phase II
01o06/98-8
Referred to Phase II
01o07/98-9
Issue for Discussion, Phase II
01o08/98-10
Issue for Discussion, Phase II
01o09/98-13
Issue for Discussion, Phase II
01o10/98-4
Item for Discussion, Phase II
01o11A/98-15
Vote: Yes/no/abstentions- 35/4/5
Minority opinion can live with the decision.
This motion passes.
01o11/98-15
Removed from the agenda by 01o11A/98-15.
01o12/98-17
Issue for Discussion, Phase II
01o13/98-18
Referred to Phase II
01o14/98-20
Referred to Phase II
01o15/98-1
Vote: 27/8/8
Minority cannot live with it; motion does not pass and is referred to Phase II
01o16/99-02
Issue for Discussion, Phase II
01o17/99-03
Brainstorming Item, Phase II
01o18/99-06
Referred to Phase II
01o19/00-01
Tabled (See * below)
01o20/00-02
Tabled (See * below)
01o21/00-03
Tabled (See * below)
01o22/00-04
Issue for Discussion, Phase II
01o23/00-05
Issue for Discussion, Phase II
01o24/00-06
Vote: 39/2/3
Minority can live with it.
This motion passes.
01o25/00-07
Issue for Discussion, Phase II
01o26/00-08
Referred to Phase II
01o27/00-09
Referred to Phase II
01o28/00-10
Issue for Discussion, Phase II
01o29/00-11
Referred to Phase II
01n30/01-01
Issue for Discussion, Phase II
01n31/01-02
Issue for Discussion, Phase II
01n32/01-03
Issue for Discussion, Phase II
01n33/01-04
Issue for Discussion, Phase II
01n34/01-05
Tabled (See * below)
01n35/01-06
Tabled (See * below)
01n36/01-07
Vote: 42/0/4
Minority can live with it.
This motion passes.
(*) These items underwent clarification about what “tabled until the next ABM” meant, the words used by the committee when tabling the motion(s). The verbalized concerns were not to “lock in” the choices of the committee in its work on these items by the use of “tabled until the next ABM.” Several actions can be taken on this item between ABMs, such as discussion via use of the Conference Newsletter and mail vote. A decision was made to simply table these items until Phase II.
This was the end of Phase I with the exception of new motions not yet printed and ready for distribution to delegates. Because the delegates had finished the work of Phase I with time still left in the session, discussion started as to how to make use of the time left with the knowledge that new motions have been received but written additions to the BMIS not yet ready for the delegates. Suggestions were to go to the first BMIS item [discussion of changing the order of the items (CCC will meet to resolve this issue)] or adjourning for the night. Because of the length of this conversation, the time for this session expired. This session ended with a moment of silence and the Serenity Prayer.
General Assembly adjourned at 9:00pm.
The 11th Tradition montage began after a 5-minute break. Jenny (micro) and Deborah (macro), and volunteer readers read a montage of 11th tradition inspired readings, excerpts from Journal, and individuals’ contributions in the past few weeks preceding the ABC/M. This meeting ended with a moment of silence and the Serenity Prayer.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2001
General Assembly Convened (8:45-10:15am)
Roles were assigned: Gaelen S. R. (micro); Mary D. (macro); Paula B. (back-up); Deborah W. (secretary); Daryl G. (timekeeper); Sam A. (spiritual reminder); Petra R. & Brandon L. (counters); Voting Members/Quorum = 45/33.
Judy J. read the 12 Steps and Connie P. read the 12 Traditions. Glenn Y. read, “What is sex and love addiction?”
After announcements were made and the schedule reviewed, Phase I was completed by processing the new motions received the previous evening. The results were as follows:
01n37/01-08
Referred to Phase II
01n38/01-09
Issue for Discussion, Phase II
01n39/01-10
Issue for Discussion, Phase II
01n40/01-11
Referred to Phase II
Phase II began with reference to page 57 of the CSM, clarification of the quorum, and situations when votes are binding on the BOT.
01o01/97-11
Barry S. clarified the Interfellowship Forum, the work of the IFC, and referred to the reports in the packet. Andrew H. clarified that this motion is a part of a once larger motion with six parts. Jenny offered a perspective of the FWS Office. Three pros and three cons were considered. The first vote: 31/14/2. There was minority opinion and a second vote: 17/29/1. There was a new minority opinion and a third and a final vote taken: 23/19/5. The motion passed, however, group conscience decision challenged. The delegates were referred to p. 59-60. This group conscience vote was 28/18: The vote on this motion was group conscience. The motion passed.
There was brief period for announcements.
15-minute break
General Assembly Reconvened (10:30-12:00pm)
Phase II was continued.
01o02/97-15
There were two motions associated with this motion that did not appear on BMIS or in the appendix [BMIS editor apologies]. The supplemental motions read as follows: Motion to amend (by the CLC ‘01) 01o02A/97-15: “Our participation in service within the SLAA community” (found on p. 2of BMIS, in feedback column) and a Motion to Reject (by the BLC ‘01): 01o02B/97-15. This motion would reject 01o02/97-15, thus dispensing with the item altogether, including the Motion to Amend. The CCC was not able to resolve this issue prior to the ABM and asked for help from the BLC. The BLC gave a report. The BLC ’01 suggested rejecting this motion because a later motion [BMIS pg. 9 (01o18/99-06)] contains elements of this motion. Concern regarding the distance of these two items in the BMIS and the ownership of the items was discussed. It was noted the conference owns this item, 01o02/97-15. Thus, a suggestion was made to the conference to withdraw this motion. There was no objection from the conference to withdrawing the motion 01o02/97-15 from the agenda. The motion was withdrawn.
01o03/97-18
Committee reports (CLC & BOT) reviewed. Three pros and three cons considered. Results of the first vote: 9/36/2. Minority opinion given and a second vote taken: 11/34/1. There was no change in the minority opinion, therefore the motion was defeated.
There was a brief time for announcements and a review of the schedule of the afternoon.
General Assembly adjourned at 12:04pm.
General Assembly Reconvened (1:00-2:00pm)
This session was opened by a moment of silence and the Serenity Prayer. Jack S. read the 12 Steps and Mary D. read the 12 Traditions. Roles were assigned: Wayne A. (micro), Petra R. (macro); Andrew H. (back-up), and Deborah W. (secretary). This session was informational in nature: Jenny discussed how the FWS office works and Gaelen S. R. presented information on conference committee work. There were requests for delegates to update group/Intergroup information for World Directory and database. The Board Nominating Committee (Mary D., Marcella M., and Rob K.) discussed the work/obligations/requirements of the BOT. Marcella M. described the election process of the BOT.
There was a brief announcement period followed by a moment of silence and the Serenity Prayer.
General Assembly was adjourned at 2:20pm for breakout sessions of the conference committees, dinner, and spiritual loafing time.
General Assembly Reconvened (7:30-9:00pm)
This session began with a moment of silence and the Serenity Prayer. Robin P. read the 12 Steps and Daryl G. read the 12 Traditions. Roles were assigned; Andrew H. (micro); Petra R. (macro); Mary D. (back-up) and Deborah W. (secretary). There was recognition for the outgoing BOT: Barry S., Andrew H., and Mary D. as well as the retiring Journal Editor, Bob F.
After recognition session ended, additional roles were assigned in preparation for the continuance of Phase II: Cristina C. (timekeeper); Brandon L. and Dave M. (counters); and Robin P. (spiritual reminder).
Phase II continued.
01o05/98-5
There were no committee reports. Three pros and three cons were considered. Rich O. offered the following remarks: “ The 12 Steps and the 12 Traditions are in their own pamphlets, Basic Text, and the Pocket Tool Kit. To mandate that the Steps and Traditions be included in every pamphlet will increase the size of the publication and thus increase expenses. Also, inclusion in pamphlets that do not pertain directly to the Steps and Traditions, such as the proposed pamphlet on crosstalk, can frustrate the individual who is reading the pamphlet thus weakening the effectiveness of the publication.” First vote: 24/15/8. There was minority opinion and a second vote: 18/26/4. There was a new minority opinion and a third and binding vote: 24/15/9. The motion passed, however, the group conscience was challenged. There was a vote to determine group conscience: 33/14. The motion passed.
Marcella M. (Board Nominating Committee) then accepted nominations from the floor for the BOT:
Wayne A., Bob F., Sam A., Alex W., Petra R., Rich S., Laura were nominated but all declined the nomination. However, Paula B. was nominated and accepted the nomination.
There was time for announcements, followed by a moment of silence and the Serenity Prayer.
General Assembly was adjourned at 9:17pm for the talent show.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY, THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2001
General Assembly Convened (8:45-10:15am)
The meeting was opened by the moment of silence and the Serenity Prayer. Roles were assigned: Marcella M. (micro); Paula B. (macro); and Wayne A. (backup); Deborah W. (secretary), Sam A. (spiritual reminder). Marcella clarified the process of nomination.
Phase II continued.
01o06/98-8
The originator of this motion changed it to an Item for Discussion / No recommendation required. The discussion included these comments:
· Recognize the spirit of the guidelines and our by-laws
· Time in the program and the necessary commitment is necessary for representation
· Some representatives do not have 6 months yet have still reaped the benefits of service at the ABM and in the year between ABMs
· By-laws are what we live by
· This is not a “black and white” program
· The words “whenever possible” are important
· Honesty regarding sobriety is an important responsibility of a delegate, the decision to send a delegate is the Intergroup’s responsibility
· Wording allows delegates to serve without sobriety
· Not serving in this capacity is a consequence to breaking bottom lines
· There continues to be Intergroups that have not discussed what to do with members who do not have the sobriety but are still willing and able to do service
· There are members that needed to add new behaviors that have short sobriety time but long sobriety time in initial or older bottom lines
· People in their addiction act out at meetings and interrupt the sobriety of the meetings
· Trusted servants are needed to make valid decisions. If a person is not sober, it affects the decision-making of the assembly
· In a higher level of service, clarity of a sober person is needed and 6 months of sobriety or less is not enough to make the decisions and deal with the stress of the ABM
· A slip is a cry for help and an opportunity to focus on the program, not in service
· This is an honesty issue as bottom lines are self-defined
· Obedience to the unenforceable is a willingness to be honest with oneself
01o07/98-9
The originator of the motion gave a history of the motion. Because this was an item for discussion/no recommendation necessary, the discussion included these points:
· There is an attitude that the ABM not a necessary part of the fellowship or recovery
· By not having a connection with the ABM, groups stay isolated
· For the delegates, a report of the ABM is an opportunity for education of group/Intergroup members about the ABM, the gifts of the fellowship, and that the ABM is a wealth of information
· Many fund-raising opportunities can be used to raise money for sending a delegate
· Disparity by group members that drop a dollar in the basket and then spend two dollars on a cup of coffee after the meeting
· Remembering this program is free to all who need it
· There has been resentment of previous delegates if they talked about the ABM as a junket. It is impossible to take back every single item and try to generate interest in it. It is more beneficial to choose a few salient items and report on those
· Extra donations or extra basket passing or scholarships through the FWS Office
· Money goes for rent and literature with no money left to send a delegate
· The ABM is an incredible spiritual experience
01o08/98-10
This is an Issue for Discussion/Recommendation Required
Brainstorm for Problem Identification included the following points:
Inexperience
Long history of no meetings
Same chair over and over
Chair should find a leader that also acts as leader
No one takes the initiative
No concentration on Steps 1-3 with newcomers
Sponsors haven’t worked the Steps
Focus on problems not solutions
Lack of continuity and loss of institution
Not enough structure in local meetings
Members graduate from SLAA without working Steps
Not taking advantage of all resources available
Sponsors have weaker boundaries
No large poster of 12 Steps
Consolidation of the problems is as follows:
Attitude
Sponsor haven’t worked Steps
Sponsors have weaker boundaries
Members graduate without working the Steps
No concentration of Step 1-3 for newcomers
Focus on problems and not solutions
No one takes the initiative
Institutional memory
Inexperience
Lack of continuity and loss of institution
Long history of no meetings
12-Step
No concentration of Step 1-3 for newcomers
Sponsors haven’t worked the Steps
No large poster of 12 Steps
Members graduate without working the Steps
Tools and resources
Inexperience
Not taking advantage of resources
No large poster of 12 Steps
No concentration on Steps 1-3 with newcomers
Sponsors haven’t worked the Steps
Meeting structure
Not enough structure in local meetings
Chair should find a leader that also acts as leader
No concentration of Step 1-3 for newcomers
Sponsors have weaker boundaries
No one takes the initiative
Same chair over and over
Prioritization of the Consolidated Problems (Vote using n/3)
Attitude - 27
12-Step - 25
Meeting structure - 15
Tools and resources - 10
Institutional memory - 6
Brainstorm solution (Using Attitude as the #1 category)
Develop temporary sponsor for Steps
Have 12 Step posters in front of room
AWOL Step study group
More Step meetings
12 Step workbook/clearinghouse for Steps
If not hearing what I need in a meeting, maybe I need to say it
“Easier Softer Way” workshop to your area
ALANA clubs
Service training farm
Cancel graduation ceremonies
Influence people to take responsibility for own recovery
Develop co-sponsorship guidelines in areas where there are few sponsors
Create Step Medallions
Create boundary shield for newcomers
Step retreats with follow-up with temporary sponsors
Special focus on recovery events
Select secretary to pass down value of Steps to chairs
Consolidation of Identified Solutions
Self-Responsibility (SR)
Cancel graduation ceremonies
If not hearing what I need in a meeting, maybe I need to say it
Develop co-sponsorship guidelines in areas where there are few sponsors
Inside the meeting (I)
Select secretary to pass down value of Steps to chairs
12-Step workbook/clearinghouse for Steps
More Step meetings
Service training farm
ALANA clubs
Develop temporary sponsor for Steps
Outside the meeting (O)
Step retreats with follow-up with temporary sponsors
Special focus on recovery events
12-Step workbook/clearinghouse for Steps
AWOL Step study group
“Easier Softer Way” workshop to your area
Service training farm
FWS Merchandise
Create Step Medallions
12-Step Poster
Create boundary shield
12-Step workbook/clearinghouse for Steps
Intangible = SR + I + O
Prioritize the Solutions using n/3 vote
SR = 11
Inside = 19
Outside = 23
Merchandise = 24
Intangibles (SR+I+O) = 10
Facilitators requested entertaining a motion regarding the #1 priority, FWS Merchandise. There was discussion about making motion about merchandise with a reminder that there is no motion needed to create literature. There was a suggestion to table the discussion and give the BOT a chance to review the suggested solutions created by the conference. A delegate made a motion: “That the work done thus far by the conference on this issue (01o08/98-10) stand as our recommendation for the BOT.” There was a first vote: 41/5/2. There was minority opinion and a second vote: 32/13/2. The minority did not change and the motion passed.
01o09/98-13
This was an Issue for Discussion / No recommendation required. The discussion included the following points:
· Check if there is interest in a 2nd edition
· Adding more pages to the text may have fiscal ramifications…make it two books
· Adding stories to the back of the book easier
· Need more information about cost
· 1 book keeps clean and concise
· Attitude that basic text should never change
· Utilize the Journal
· This is an issue of self –responsibility
· There was concern about the newcomer - if adding pages the book will be more expensive, this might impact the purchase of the basic text of the newcomer
· There is no diversity in the stories and do not reflect our fellowship, not changing our book, added stories and updated version
· Agree to sending a letter
· AA has changed stories…we can
· A reminder that we are deciding about whether we solicit feedback from the groups
· Two options for books
· There are several editions of AA text with very few changes
There was a brief period for announcements and a review of the schedule.
General Assembly was adjourned at 12:06pm.
General Assembly Reconvened (1:00-2:00pm)
The BOT Nominating Committee facilitated the first part of this session with Mary D. (micro), Marcella M. (macro), and Rob K. (back-up). In this session, BOT nominees qualified. Paula B. was given an opportunity to qualify for the nomination. Once this task was completed, Phase II continued. Additional roles assigned: Cheryl (spiritual reminder); Sam A. (timekeeper); Glenn Y., Robin, Rich S, (recorders); Dave McM., Ellen, Cristina C., Dee A. (Tapers).
01o10/98-14
This was an Issue for Discussion/Recommendation Required. The results of brainstorming Problems Identification are as follows:
Adoption of outside literature
Sanctioning the book opens the door to other books
Inexperience in fellowship
Lack of literature on this topic
Violation of Tradition 6
Lack of clear policy (confusion) around the use of outside literature
Dilutes the 12 Steps as the solution
Lack of recognition of Tradition 4
What is the meaning of conference approved literature?
Compulsive not doing something does not fit with compulsive doing something
180 degrees from sick is still sick
Perception that anorexia is something different, it is still pervasive
Sanctioning the book opens the door to other books
Anorexia is sex addiction
After a brief period for announcements, review of breakout room assignments, the session ended with a moment of silence and the Serenity Prayer.
General Assembly was adjourned for committee meetings and dinner.
General Assembly Reconvened (7:30-9:09pm)
Roles were assigned: Petra R. (micro); Andrew H. (macro); Gaelen S. R. (back-up); Deborah W. (secretary); Kendra G., Rich S., Robin P., and Glenn Y. (Recorders).
Problem Consolidation
The results of the brainstorming session were consolidated. They are:
Need more anorexia literature
Nature of Anorexia
Compulsive not doing something does not fit with compulsive doing something
Perception that anorexia is different
180 degrees from sick is still sick
Anorexia is sex addiction
Outside Literature
Lack of literature
Adoption of outside literature
Sanctioning the book opens the door to other books
Possible Steps and Traditions Violations
Violation of Tradition 6
Dilutes 12 Steps as the solution
Lack of recognition of Tradition 4
Lack of policy regarding use of outside literature
Does anorexia belong?
Anorexia is sex addiction
Compulsive not doing something does not fit with compulsive doing something
Member Education
Inexperience in the fellowship
Compulsive not doing something does not fit with compulsive doing something
Anorexia is different
What is Conference-Approved literature?
Problem Prioritization
Using the n/3 vote, the problems were prioritized. The results are as follows:
Need for anorexia literature - 30
Nature of anorexia - 4
Outside Literature - 9
Possible Steps and Traditions Violations - 25
Does anorexia belong? - 7
Member Education - 12
The session continued with brainstorming solutions to the #1 priority, the need for anorexia literature. The results are:
Encourage members with anorexia to submit their stories to literature committee
Appoint anorexia subcommittee in each conference committee
Add characteristic of anorexia to already existing lists of symptoms
Notify the originator of the identified problems
Anorexics to start their own program
Anorexia drives addiction
Hold “embrace your anorexic month” in SLAA
Hold anorexic topic meetings
Allow local group conscience to solve lack of anorexic literature
From this list, the facilitators asked for consolidation and prioritization of the solutions. Instead, a motion was heard from the floor: “To send this list to the originator of the motion and to the referred committees (S&T, Diversity).”
Three pros and three cons were considered. A friendly amendment was offered and accepted; it read: “To send this list to the originator of the motion and to the referred committees (S&T, Diversity & CLC).” The first vote: 16/21/9. Minority opinion was heard. Time ran out and this session ended here. This item will be left on the agenda and completed at the next ABM. There was a brief time for announcements and a review of the schedule.
General Assembly was adjourned at 9:05pm for a Speaker Meeting (Alex W.) and other scheduled social activities.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY, FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2001
General Assembly Convened (9:30-12:00pm)
Roles were assigned: Andrew H. (micro), Robin S. (macro), Petra R. (back up, and Deborah W. (secretary). Mary D. introduced the BOT voting options. The BOT election was held. Robin P. asked for time to comment on the business done the previous day regarding anorexia. His comments were: “I am disappointed at some of the comments I witnessed yesterday during the discussion on anorexia. The decision and derogatory comments about anorectic persons and anorexia itself are examples of what I feel represents “not open minds.” If we, as the conference, are questioning why there are so few submissions for anorexia literature consideration, perhaps we have no further to look for an answer than the nearest mirror. I question whether we as sex and love addicts can afford thinking in limited ways. Wasn’t it limited thinking that led us to our most desperate acting out?” The results of the BOT election were announced: Paula B. was elected to the BOT leaving two vacant positions. After the election, the session was adjourned for conference committee meetings and a mandatory BOT meeting.
General Assembly Reconvened (1:00-2:00pm)
This session was opened by a moment of silence followed by the Serenity Prayer. The roles assigned were: Deborah W. (micro), Marcella M. (macro), Andrew H. (secretary), Cristina C. (timekeeper), and Cheryl S. (spiritual reminder). The assembly was given a few minutes to complete and return the CCC evaluation forms. The following committees gave brief reports as to the elected roles, budgets, goals, and meeting times for the coming year:
By-Laws Committee: Wayne A.
CCC: Deborah W.
Healthy Relationships Committee:
Camille S.
Interfellowship Committee: Barry S.
Intergroup Communication Committee:
Jack S.
Internet Committee: Gaelen S. R.
Journal Committee: Andrew H.
Literature Committee: Robin S.
Members Retention Committee: Cristina C.
Prison Outreach Committee: Dave McM.
CPIC: Andrew H.
Sponsorship Committee: Ellen S.
BOT Report: Marcella M. (Chair)
BOT Liaisons to the Conference Committees noted.
There were no reports from the following conference committees:
Conference Finance Committee
Diversity Committee
Service Committee
Steps and Traditions
The following information was provided to the delegates: 1) The FWS fiscal year is October 1, 2001 to September 30, 2002; and 2) The use of Conference Express for conference calls in addition to 3-way calling. There was time for final announcements and acknowledgments and gratitude to the San Diego Intergroup as our hosts. This session closed with a moment of silence followed by the Serenity Prayer.
The 2001 ABC/M was adjourned at 1:50pm.