St. Paul Al-Anon/Alateen Intergroup Minutes
February 8, 2011

Traditions One and Two were read from The Forum 2010

The meeting opened with the Serenity Prayer at 7:15 pm

Introductions and Roll Call (service positions listed are for the current year
Present were the Intergroup Chair, the Assistant Treasurer and Directory Chair, the Office Volunteer Chair, the Newsletter Editor and the Group Liaison Chair. The Treasurer was present by proxy.

The following groups were represented by Intergroup Representatives (IRs) or Alternate IRs: Summit Hill Wednesday 5 pm Al-Anon, Midway Wednesday 6:30 pm Al-Anon, Seekers of Compassion Al-Anon, Heights & Lights Al-Anon, Fireside Al-Anon in Shoreview. In addition there was a visitor who is hoping to start a group in St. Paul

Elections
It was established that a quorum of at least 6 = 5% of all groups was was presnet
The IR from Summit Hill Wednesday 5 pm was nominated and then unanimously elected 2011 Chair
There were no nominations for Vice Chair.
The 2010 Treasurer was nominated and unanimously elected for an additional term.
The Alternate IR from Midway Wednesday 6:30 Al-Anon was nominated and unanimously elected Assistant Treasurer
There were no nominations for Secretary

Intergroup Reports

Chair
It is the Chair's goal that monthly Intergroup meetings will be held to one hour
Gratitude Night
Flyers have been mailed and announcement was posted on the web. Volunteers are needed to serve as greeters, a time keeper, speaker introductions, and set-up (at 5:00 pm). Ideas for speaker gifts and prizes are welcome. No information was given on history or budget for gifts. A request for an advance of $75 for final expenses moved and passed unanimously. The Chair reported they would probably come in about $50 under budget.
There was discussion of making 5 minute announcement at Gratitude Night to highlight what Intergroup does.
Treasurer
A detailed report was emailed to Intergroup members and was summarized. No one present could answer what the monthly $25 to AFG was for. The operating account balance as of 2/8/11 was $4,369.23. The Reserve account balance was $3,280.00. A detailed report is available on request.
A question was raised about who was eligible to sign checks. Common practice is the chair, treasurer and assistant treasurer; they will coordinate signature authorization with the bank
No one present was aware of a bond.
There was discussion concerning prompt payment of all bills. It was agreed such payment was in accordance with our Seventh Tradition and best practice. Some additional communication may be necessary between the Literature Chair and Treasurer to assure funds are available when an order is placed. Consensus was reached that all bills must be paid promptly (within 30 days or by due date).
Newsletter
After discussion it was agreed that a newsletter would be produced in March, July and October this year. The editor will consult with someone more experienced regarding bulk mailing.
Group Liaison
The Group Liaison Chair volunteered to create an email list for all groups served by St. Paul Intergroup.
Inside Literature
The 2010 chair will finish tracking current orders and orient the new Inside Literature Chair on Feb. 16th.
Improving communication with groups
Al-Anon groups created Intergroup to fill a need – Intergroup exists because of their will. We must find ways to better communicate our services and our needs.
Phone party with pizza? If we could find 10 volunteers with cell phones, and each of those 10 called 10 group contacts, we could confirm group information and encourage participation between the groups and Intergroup. This idea was well met – pizza will be contributed by a member. The location, date and time will be announced.
We can try to increase awareness of the Intergroup home page on the Twin Cities Al-Anon/Alateen website. It attempts to communicate with those who are aware of it by posting Intergroup minutes, agenda, events and more.
A regular Newsletter is an important way to communicate with groups. It can help with letting members know of our financial needs and the importance of volunteer backing needed to continue services.
Finances
The Double-Dimer plan will be reinstituted. It fell through the cracks several years ago. The idea is to encourage individuals who can afford it to give two dimes ($,20) per day or about $75 per year. This is addition to contributions from groups. Regular contributions help greatly with fiscal planning.

Open Positions

Al-Anon / Alateen members are needed to fill the following elected positions for the remainder of 2011:
     Vice Chair
     Secretary

Also needed are members willing to serve in the following volunteer positions:
    Outside Literature Chair (sales at events)
    Volunteer Chair (current chair would like to retire)
    Alateen Chair
    Office Manager
    Public Outreach Chair
    Liaison to the Minnesota South Area
    Liaison to Mpls. Information Service
    Intergroup Archives
    Double-Dimer Chair

The meeting was adjourned at 8:17 with the Serenity Prayer.


Edited for the web 12 Febreuary 2011

St. Paul Al-Anon/Alateen Intergroup Home Page | Index of Available Minutes