Open Forum Moderator
6 posts Location:
Asheville
United States |
20.03.2011 17:44Open Forum (ad hoc) - march/aprilHello All, (next meeting: Thurs 4/7, 6pm, 44 circle st.)
3 months ago the WNCANA (area) formed an ad hoc subcommittee to investigate removing the open forum from the area business meeting. This was done to allow for a flexible format encouraging more involvement, thorough discussion and better informed proposals as well as to have a means allowing for such discussion that does not distract from Area business. In short, the idea should be a win for the fellowship in this area.
During the March 19th Area meeting a motion was passed extending the Open Forum ad hoc committee for one month with the anticipation of a formal proposal being presented at the next Area meeting.
The Progress of this ad hoc committee will be posted here. The primary agenda item for the ad hoc committee is the formulation of the open forum proposal, committee structure, meeting formats etc... . Other topics can be discussed briefly and added to a growing list of agenda items to be address if the proposal is accepted by the area homegroups.
Comments and Suggestions are encouraged and can be made here directly with the following guidelines or by phone or email (see contact information below.
1.) Use the "reply" button to comment on an existing Open Forum topic. We will not check other discussions.
2.) Be polite. Any post that does not adhere to the spiritual principles of this program will be removed.
3.) Clearly reference the topic to which you are referring or wish to add to the pending agenda. Give experience, perspectives and rationales.
4.) if the topic relates to an individual, please contact a committee member via email or address it at the next committee meeting.
4.) Smile.
Email: wncana.openforum@gmail.com
Open Forum Moderator
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Open Forum Moderator
6 posts Location:
Asheville
United States |
20.03.2011 17:50 Re: Open Forum (ad hoc) - march/april Use of the Discussion Forum:
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Open Forum Moderator
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Open Forum Moderator
6 posts Location:
Asheville
United States |
20.03.2011 18:43 Re: Open Forum (ad hoc) - march/april Meeting Summary: 3/16/11
attendance 2
I.) Topic: Open Forum
1.) Topics entertained at Open Forum
a.) topics should come through Homegroups
rationale: while the only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using,
an addict participates in the fellowship through the conscience of the homegroup.
b.) no opposing viewpoints offered at this meeting (see meeting 3/19)
2.) Committee Structure
a.) Committee Chair - function at area level?
b.) Committee Members?
3.) Meeting times and location
a.) At least 2 meetings at fixed times & locations per month.
rational: meeting time and locations are not widely known.
b.) 1st standard meeting directly after the close of the regular area business meeting.
rationale: agenda would be announced at area meeting, GSRs are already present.
c.) Maintain the original intent of "floating" meetings in addition to the 2 mentioned above.
4.) Orderly discussion
a.) Markerboard to create visible running minutes of the meeting.
rationale: Acknowledges additional topics as they come up while allowing the meeting to return topic.
rationale: Reduces repetitive commenting.
B.) Pros/Cons format?
II.) Running Agenda items
1.) Literature stocked by Area for sale to homegroups (homegroup proposal pending).
a.) A "literature chair would be required.
b.) Rationale: Would reduce the need for homegroups to pay shipping costs individually.
c.) Rational: Would be a convenience for homegroups.
2.) Availability of Area Policy
a.) Printed Copies should be provided to all GSRs
b.) Printed Copies should be available at all Area business meetings.
Note: I'm testing this outline format for presenting Summaries. Please forgive any goofiness.
Summary of the 3/19/11 meeting to follow (it greatly expands on most items)
In Grateful Service
Tim C
Open Forum Moderator
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Open Forum Moderator
6 posts Location:
Asheville
United States |
22.03.2011 03:20 Re: Open Forum (ad hoc) - march/april Meeting Summary: 3/19/11 (after Area meeting)
Next Scheduled meeting: 4/7 @ 6:00 pm, 44 Circle St.
Remember, you don't have to attend a meeting to participate. Simply comment here at any time, have a meeting of your own and post the results here or send them via email to wncana.openforum@gmail.com.
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attendance: 3 (at meeting) additionally a number of phone conversations and emails are reflected here.
Note: Every effort is made to present all known perspectives on a topic including those from previous meetings.
I.) Topic: The Open Forum Proposal
1.) Purpose/rationale (in no particular order)
a.) It is hoped that this will increase discussion and unity among more (hopefully all) of the home groups in the Area while also offering support to the home groups through shared experience.
b.) To gain the insight and experience of all interested members on issues potentially affecting the area as a whole.
c.) To provide a commenting period on items headed to Area giving time for thoughtful consideration and debate outside of the Area Business meeting.
d.) To provide a forum for non-housekeeping issues forwarded by the Area Chair as they arise at the Area meeting.
e.) To better redirect issues that may arise that are inappropriate for the Area Committee (i.e. topics that may be better served by a learning day of panel discussion).
f.) To increase the efficiency of the Area business meeting.
g.) To carry the conscience of this area to the Area committee through well considered, thoroughly discussed proposals and plans of action.
h.) To create a service unit that will help this area better service it's homegroups.
i.) Concept 9: All elements of our service structure have the responsibility to carefully consider all viewpoints in their decision-making processes.
j.) By seeking to resolve issues/challenges that this area or a particular home group may be facing, in an atmosphere of support, discussion and consensus, unity within our local fellowship will be strengthened and personal recovery enhanced.
k.) Foster cooperation on divisive issues.
2.) Topics entertained at Open Forum
a.) It was suggested that all topics should come through Homegroups
rationale: while the only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using,
an addict participates in the fellowship through the conscience of the homegroup.
b.) It was pointed out that the original intent was to solicit input from all members in the area on issues related to the area. Any Proposals (motions) would come from a sponsor homegroup or the conscience of the open forum itself. (see item 2a below)
rationale: many members are unable to attend the Area meeting and many homegroups do not send GSR's.
c.) Any topic / issue / grievance or proposal that affects the Area, it's homegroups or NA as a whole, from any addict, would be added to the agenda.
d.) Items forwarded from the Area Chair for further discussion/research.
3.) Committee Structure
a.) Committee Chair - function at area level?
The original intent is for the committee chair to have the status of a GSR at the Area level. This would allow the Chair to submit Proposals (motions) on behalf of the committee and contributing addicts.
It was suggested that a voting position would prevent acting GSR's from serving in this position.
b.) The committee Chair would be accountable to the Area committee for accurately conveying accumulated results of the open forum as well as the integrity and effectiveness of committees operation.
c.) Committee Chair function at the committee level?
The chair would simple conduct meetings of the committee itself (as opposed to Open Forum meetings). Otherwise the chair is no different than any other committee member.
d.) Committee members?
Moderate the 2 Scheduled Open Forum meetings; Collect & summarize input through the various sources, phone, email, discussion boards, reports from floating meetings etc...
Are available to moderate floating/homegroup sponsored meetings if requested.
Are familiar with the policies of the Committee.
3.) Meeting times and location
a.) At least 2 meetings at fixed times & locations per month.
rational: meeting time and locations of floating meetings are not widely known.
b.) 1st standard meeting directly after the close of the regular area business meeting.
rationale: agenda would be announced at area meeting, GSRs are already present.
opposing view: it was suggested that meeting before the Area meeting might be more effective, encouraging more involvement. Is this practical? Access to building? Would Sunday Be better?
c.) 2nd standard meeting before regularly scheduled meeting @ 44 circle street. 2nd Thursday @ 6:30.
Rationale: adjacent to a regularly scheduled meeting. On a weeknight. Alternate meeting space if the meeting runs long.
Verify feasibility?
Is an hour long enough?
Are other locations or day/times available?
d.) Maintain the original intent of "floating" meetings in addition to the 2 mentioned above. Solicit "sponsor" homegroups for floating meetings to be announced on the discussion board. Sharing of ideas from impromptu meetings encouraged.
4.) Orderly discussion
a.) Markerboard to create visible running minutes of the meeting.
rationale: Acknowledges additional topics as they come up while allowing the meeting to return topic.
rationale: Reduces repetitive commenting.
b.) Pros/Cons format? It was suggested that a "loose" unlimited pros and cons format would work (item 4a should handle repetition).
c.) The widest range of input is desired.
5.) Budget[b]
a.) 300.00 annually (potentially) for rent (check written directly to facility)
b.) 150.00 discretionary.
rationale: rent at floating locations? incidental supplies, marker boards, etc...
c.) $450.00 total annual budget.
6.) [b]Policies and Procedures
a.) Opening statement / reading? Service Prayer?
rationale: to encourage unity, open-mindedness, cooperation, selflessness.
b.) Known agenda items announced prior to meeting and in Area report.
c.) Agenda determined at beginning of standard meetings by concensus.
d.) Additional agenda items may be added at anytime without stopping discussion of current topic.
e.) Proposals (motions) going through the committee that affect Area policy will require a minimum of at least (?) on the agenda for comment prior to being presented to the Area committee. (a committee policy not to affect a GSR's ability to make a motion under Area policy).
rationale: GSR's could have time to review and express concerns prior to the meeting allowing the interested parties to present a more informed proposal.
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II.) Running Agenda items
1.) Literature stocked by Area for sale to homegroups (proposal (motion) from a homegroup pending).
a.) A literature chair would be required.
b.) Rationale: Would reduce the need for homegroups to pay shipping costs individually.
c.) Rational: Would be a convenience for homegroups.
2.) Availability of Area Policy
a.) Copies provided to all GSRs desired
b.) Copies available at all Area business meetings desired.
c.) Availability on website desired.
3.) [b]GSR Orientation[b]
a.) Brief orientation requirement to ensure familiarity with the purpose and function of the Area committee.
b.) A starter kit including but not limited to a brief summary of Area procedure, full copy of current policy, a FAQ, suggested reading and list of available resources.
c.) rationale: Many GSRs come to area "cold" without having been an alternate. Area meetings and it's attendees become frustrated when GSRs are unintentionally out of order or lacking the knowledge that resources exist. Orientation and a starter are services, easily provided.
d.) ad hoc committee needed?
In Grateful Service
Tim C
Open Forum Moderator
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Open Forum Moderator
6 posts Location:
Asheville
United States |
22.03.2011 23:52 Re: Open Forum (ad hoc) - march/april Note:: Each summary will be accumulative so it's only necessary to read the latest one.
a few submissions from conversations:
-It has been suggested that the Open Forum could potential serve a dual purpose by providing an outreach function through the floating meeting concept. Rationale: to provide support an encourage the involvement of struggling homegroups.
-Additional rationale for the proposal: improves transparency and discourages hidden agendas.
Open Forum Moderator
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Open Forum Moderator
6 posts Location:
Asheville
United States |
18.04.2011 19:00 Re: Open Forum (ad hoc) - march/april The results of the Open Forum Ad Hoc committee were indecisive for various reasons. No proposal was presented but a summary is available based on the one above.
This information will be left here in the event anyone should care to pursue it further.
Those involved would like to thank everyone who contributed.
This topic will no longer be monitored regularly.
Open Forum Moderator
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