August 5, 2007
Al-anon Business Meeting


The chair opened the meeting w/the Serenity Prayerand welcomed members to the meeting. The meeting chair schedule and the general responsibilities of Ops were reviewed. The position of Room Operator or Monitor is one of responsibility for the Al-Anon still suffering. It is not a position of power. To keep the room safe for all those who enter our room. Therefore all operators are required to abide by the following rules regarding our room. Al-Anon Room Operators Must have a Minimum of six (6) months experience in face to face Al-Anon Meetings * Be a listed Miracles In Progress Al-Anon Group Member * Be positive, respectful, patient and compassionate to all. * Be a Chair or be an Alternate Chair for at least 1 meeting a week * Provide service work for the group * Help newcomers locate Face-to-Face meetings in their community * Set an example of conformity to the 12 steps and help maintain the safety, security and confidentiality of the room at all times. * Always ask the chairperson if they want assistance during the meeting prior to sending any paragraphs into the room, kicking people out of the room, or assuming any of the other chairperson responsibilities. *Make every effort possible to attend the Group Business meetings and Op meetings. Interact on the Al-Anon bulletin board. Contact John/OP_Present. Email: MIP@12stepforums.net if you are interested in being an OP. We have some vacancies that need to be filled. One change was noted to the Wednesday PM OP alternate schedule.

The secretary offered to send minutes to any members who wished to have them. A member volunteered to keep a hard copy of monthly meeting minutes for future reference. The July minutes were approved as posted.

The treasurer had no new information to report and was asked to review last months status. In July all bills were reported paid.

The founder of Miracles in Progress offered the following information. The links to paypal have been removed from the site for 3 months now due to the investigation by the State of North Carolina, for soliciting funds without a license to do so. The case has be closed... as unfounded ... and without merit. It is necessary that the links are not merely for contributions... but reflect clearly the 7th tradition and define it. Also, funds cannot be accepted from anyone living within the state of NC...without reporting it to the state treasury's office.... even $2. Presently we are broke as a group pending an attorney looking over the situation regarding our funding.

A member asked if it was possible for the alanon group to set up its own account like a ftf meeting and keep our own finances separate from MIP 12 step recovery groups site. The alanon group would pay rent for services rendered. A set fee would need to be agreed upon.

No action was taken on this topic.



Old Business

Update on WSO Registration / Permission to use CAL
The chair reported that there is no update. The chair had contacted WSO and speaking with two different people four different times and giving them her contact information as well as John's contact information. For some reason, they see no need to respond to our questions. There may
be more here than meets the eye but as a group, we cannot do the right thing (registering our meeting or renewing our permission to use CAL).

The founder of Miracles in Progress submitted the following information. . This group is not registered with WSO; our registration expired because it was not re applied for at the end of a year... If we look into the new requirements for WSO registration, it requires that our groups web site is independent and not connected to any other organizations web site. Being connected to the MIP 12 Step recovery forums site, would disqualify us for registration. The point is, the group is going to have to make a decision if it wants to be registered or not.. and if so, is it willing to start from scratch by disconnecting itself from MIP's site.. which means also giving up its easily found links on internet search engines...

No action was taken on this topic.


FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)
A member has posted regarding FAQ's and the chair suggested leaving it up for one more month to allow everyone the opportunity to make their questions known. The chair asked if anyone was willing to help by answering the questions they already know so we can begin to compile the answers.
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A member offered to compile the questions and answers and to monitor the responses on the Al-anon message board. He will report at next months meeting.

New Business

A request to change the closing prayer from the Lords Prayer to the Al-anon Declaration
The last time this subject came up for discussion and vote was May 5, 2005 Business meeting. The chair cited some things from Concept 5 2013 The Rights of Appeal and Petition Protect Minorities and Insure that they be heard. We need to listen with consideration to everyone and encourage those with differing opinions (minorities) to state their views. Inviting those in the minority to speak out and listening to them with full hearts and consideration helps us maintain unity. When we hear, understand, value and incorporate minority opinions in our decision-making process, we may avoid mistakes that can occur when we are angry, hasty, misinformed or rigid. Practicing consideration compels a thorough debate, keeps us all focused on the issue at hand and validates the worth and dignity of each member. It takes courage to speak up when we are in the minority. Having permission and even the obligation to do so without prejudice or fear of reprisal often strengthens our courage. Practicing consideration and courage helps us seek resolution where everyone wins. When we are open to hearing minority voices and listen with full consideration, we all benefit because everyone is respected and included.

The topic was open for discussion. One member shared that at her f2f meetings the chair chose the closing prayer.


A member asked for clarification on the contents of the Declaration. It is When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help Let the hand of Alanon/Alateen always be there
and let it begin with me.

Because this is a controversial topic, it was suggested that voting and discussion be tabled until next month. It was decided that the issue be posted as shown in the minutes. A vote will be taken at the September meeting to give all those that might be interested in voting on this a chance to be here.

The chair closed the meeting with the Al-anon declaration.