Early Riser AA Group

August 24, 2024 Meeting Minutes

Attendees: Herb S, Stu D, Pam C, Peter G, and Fred M

Minutes: The minutes of the July 27, 2024, business meeting were reviewed and approved.

There was a brief discussion about filling the position of group secretary. Fred M volunteered. It was moved and seconded that Fred M serve as group secretary. (Herb S/Pam C) Passed.

 Treasurer’s Report: Meeting continues to be self-supporting, and the present balance is such that we can make donations. Discussion followed. It was suggested that the group invest in the purchase of Alcoholics Anonymous and Living Sober to distribute to newcomers. It was suggested that the purchase be for Living Sober only. The members present rejected the suggestion.

Herb S. volunteered to purchase the books and Fred M volunteered to modify the opening meeting script to announce it.

Motion: The treasurers report is accepted. Herb S/Pam C Passed.

GSR Report: Peter G apologized for missing the monthly District meeting because of a conflict. He reported that six people have been cleared to take meetings to area jails. Herb S added that the district is adding a Traditions meeting that will precede the District meeting beginning at 5:30pm before the district meeting at 6:30pm. The meeting will use the book AA Comes of Age.

Other matters:

• Sharing at the meeting: members shared concern that sharing by some is excessive at times, not focused on recovery, and it can be time-consuming. After discussion about alternatives, such as timing shares, that was rejected. It was agreed that the script will be modified to request that sharing be kept to three minutes or less.
• Elections: Fred M reminded the members that elections were to be conducted in June but did not happen. A few positions should have been elected and were not, for example, secretary, and coffee commitments should have been elected.
• Group conscience process: Herb S asked how the group does a group conscience. He provided a background as to why he raised the issue based on a recent incident in another group and the challenge the group faced arriving at a group conscience on an issue. A discussion followed about the group process. It was reminded that the purpose of the business meeting, which is open to all and announced regularly, is the site for the group conscience to be expressed. Another person added that the common practice in the Early Riser group is to make regular announcements in the group for a month or more before any major change is implemented. After discussion the group agreed that the present plan works well.
• Business meeting. Herb S reminded the group that the 8:30am business meeting time was set as a trial anticipating more participation. After a few months, the attendance at business meetings has not changed. It was moved and seconded that the business meeting be reset to 7AM on the fourth Saturday of the month. (Herb S/Stu D)

Meeting was adjourned at 8:50

 Respectfully,

Fred M