The meeting opened at 7:05 pm with the Serenity Prayer

Introductions

Acting Chair and IR, Seekers of Compassion AFG
IR, Alive and Free Al-Anon
Newsletter editor and IR, Heights and Lights Al-Anon
IR, Inner Peace Al-Anon
IR, Serenity Seekers of White Bear Lake Al-Anon
Literature chair and IR, Summit Hill Monday 6 pm Al-Anon
IR, Uptown Monday 8 pm Al-Anon
Assistant Treasurer, webmaster and Alt IR, Midway Wednesday 6:30 pm
IR, Summit Hill Wednesday 5 pm Al-Anon
Treasurer and IR, Highland Saturday 10 am Al-Anon Adult Children
Member, Summit Hill Wednesday 5 pm Al-Anon

It was noted there was a quorum (at least 5% of 110 groups = 6) of Intergroup Representatives present.

Concept Twelve: The spiritual foundation for Al-Anon’s world services is contained in the General Warranties of the Conference, Article 12 of the Charter. A member read part of the discussion on Concept Twelve from the Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual. Note was made on what and where the Charter could be found in the Service Manual.

Reports

Treasurer

The prudent reserve remains the same at $3,280. We are up-to-date on payment of sales tax. There was about a $280 cash surplus in November with an operating fund balance of $3,581 on 12/1/11. The report was approved without objection.

Assistant Treasurer

In November there were total sales of $1,278 and contributions of $1,141. These figures include $324 in sales and $206 in contributions at Gratitude Night. The report was approved without objection.

Secretary

Minutes from the November meeting were approved. A member volunteered to record minutes for this meeting.

Office Volunteers

There were 8 unstaffed days in November. The web chair drew attention to the page on the website showing times when volunteers are needed. (www.al-anon-alateen-msp.org/pages/OfficeVolunteerinfo.html)

Newsletter

Our last Newsletter was in September. We will look to print our next Newsletter in February or March.

Web site

Every attempt is made to keep meeting information up-to-date. We were reminded to check the Intergroup home page for information about Intergroup, including meeting agendas and minutes.

Inside Literature

Keeping our best sellers in stock is a challenge. Building a reserve inventory by taking advantage of bulk discounts offered by the WSO is key.

Event Sales

We had sales of about $324 at Gratitude Night and about $135 at Founder’s Day. We have been asked to sell literature at the District 20 Potluck January 28, 2012.

Group Liaison

No report. An IR volunteered to serve as Group liaison in 2012. We will attempt to increase email communication to save on printing and mailing costs.

Public Outreach

No report

Gratitude Night

Attendance was about 150, $324 literature sold, $206 in contributions. There has been no charge for the facility as rent paid by the weekly group meeting allows use of the church for other events.

Business

Book price

After discussion, it was proposed that the price of the soft cover edition of How Al-Anon Works be raised from $5.00 to $6.00. It was explained that, although it is a popular book, we make only about $.50 per copy when selling at $5.00.

Group listing

A proposal was made to list Al-Anon groups in Hudson, WI on the website and directory as requests for this information seem to be increasing. Unanimous approval.

Elections of 2012 officers

After review of election process and procedure, it was noted that nominations had been made at the November meeting for Treasurer (member of Summit Hill Wednesday 5 pm Al-Anon) and Assistant Treasurer (Alternate IR Midway Wednesday 6:30 pm Al-Anon, 2nd term).

Nominations were made at the December meeting for Chair (Seekers of Compassion AFG, current acting chair), Vice-chair (IR, Summit Hill Wednesday 5 pm Al-Anon) and Secretary (IR, Heights and Lights Al-Anon).

A motion was made, seconded and passed unanimously that nominations cease and a unanimous ballot be cast to elect the slate. The newly elected chair will appoint willing members to chair the many service committees needed.

Bylaws

Discussion continues on the St. Paul Al-Anon Intergroup Bylaws which have not been reviewed since 2004. There are several issues needing attention/update. One item of particular note is the stated requirement for bonding. The potential for breach of anonymity in the event of loss vs. standard business practice is being weighed. While our bond has lapsed, it was noted our liability insurance is paid up. Careful review will continue. No changes are to be made without notification to all groups in our service area.

Audit

An audit of 2011 finances will be arranged by the newly elected chair. The audit committee is to be composed of three Intergroup Representatives.

Reserve (ample/prudent)

We currently have about 3 months reserve on fixed expenses but may want to target reserving up to 6 months. Continued development of clearer financial tracking and budgeting are ongoing.

The meeting adjourned with the Al-Anon Declaration around 8:00 pm.