St. Paul Al‑Anon/Alateen Intergroup
Minutes of Intergroup Meeting September 9, 2014

The meeting opened at 7:03 pm with the Serenity Prayer.

Introductions
Chair, IR, Uptown Tuesday 6:30 pm A
Co-Secretary, IR, Midway Wednesday 6:30 pm
Treasurer, IR, Summit Hill Wednesday 5 pm
Newsletter Chair, IR, Monday Midway Men’s 7:15 pm
IR, New Brighton Thursday Al‑Anon
Assistant Treasurer, IR, Inner Peace Thursday 11 am Al‑Anon

There were readings on Tradition 9 and Concept 9.

It was noted that a quorum (5% of groups, that is, 6 or more) was present so substantive business could be done.

Business

1. Questions/Concerns
There was none.
2. Open service positions
The Chair reported we may have a Public Outreach chair. We still need a Liaison to Minnesota South Area and chairs for Event Sales, Group Liaison, Alateen, Archives and Institutions. In relation to the Event Sales position, we are selling literature at the Fall Area Assembly on October 4 in Mankato and at Gratitude Night in November.
3. SPIG inventory: Questions 9 – 13
Question 9: Do we pay bills/taxes on time? Yes athough there was one slip up on payment of sales tax.
Question 10: What is the purpose of Gratitude night and is it an effective use of resources? A number of purposes were proposed, among them were recognizing volunteers`, raising awareness of Intergroup, fellowship, and fund raising. On the last, it was pointed out that in recent years contributions at the event did not cover expenses. A proposal was made that baskets be passed this year rather than relying on 7th Tradition cans near the door. There was little enthusiasm for suggesting an amount to contributed, although that might be considered in appeal letters.
Question 11: Should we have a liaison with Minneapolis Information Services? The Co-secretary said this had been the case unofficially for a while several years ago. He thought that if we had a liaison, we should expect Minneapolis to have one, too. Further discussion was tabled to a future meeting. There was some further discussion of the possibility of merger with Minneapolis AIS that came up at the August meeting. One IR said his group was completely against it. Perhaps there should be something in the newsletter.
Question 12: Do we have clear understanding of responsibility and authority for oversight of our website? The Web Chair and webmaster said he is in frequent contact with the Minneapolis office manager. He consults with her when issues arise about what should be posted. He acknowleged that no one else is familiar with how the day to day maintenance of the website is done. He is working toward developing procedures that could be used by Windows users.
The Web Chair reported that links to the WSO Facebook and Twitter pages had recently been posted. He said there will be links to WSO podcasts. Some members would like to see more social media links, including YouTube, as well as a links to sites where recordings of Al‑Anon speakers could be heard and downloaded. He believes there is a danger of violating Al‑Anon traditions on anonymity and endorsement of outside entities. YouTube was problematic because it displays links to “Related channels” that have nothing to do with Al‑Anon and could provide a misleading picture of what Al‑Anon is.
More questions will be addressed next month.
4. Dakota County Jail Resource Fair, October 2
The co-secretary described the event, that it provides information to inmates that will be helpful when they are released. He said he was willing to volunteer and was hoping to get someone else. For the first time, there may be an afternoon session targeting juveniles.
5. Update: Calling groups to update information and invite Intergroup Representatives
One IR had completed most of the calls on the sheet he took at the August meeting.
6. Report on Fellowship Weekend hospitality suite
A member reported there had been only two volunteers helping out but that they seemed to enjoy it. $37 was collected in the Seventh Tradition basket; we expect something from the Area. The meatless gluten-free chili Friday night and the cinnamon bread Saturday morning were great successes
7. Updating position guidelines
This was tabled for a future meeting.
8. Update on purchasing a copier
This was tabled for a future meeting.
9. Questions/Concerns/Other Business
The Treasurer reported the lease on the office had expired. The new rent will be $715 per month (up $20) for 12 months plust $50 for the use of a conference room. In was moved, seconded and voted unaimously that the lease should be renewed at the the new rent level.

Reports

Chair
She has talked with the Minneapolis AIS Chir about merging. She has been in communication with a member about her serving as Public Outreach chair.
Vice Chair
He has started putting Gratitude Night together. It will be November 8 at the Presbyterian Church of the Way, 3382 Lexington Ave, N in Shoreview. There will be a Name That Tune segment before the speakers. The theme will be Carry the Message of Thanks. He will check to see what supplies are available in the office and will purchase what is needed. We will need volunteers to sell literature, to set up and clean up.
Secretary
he minutes of the August meeting were accepted as presented.
Treasurer
The Treasurer reported total income of $2,846 ($1841 in sales, $977 in contributions) and total expenses of $3,519 ($1,682 for literature and medallions and $1,837 rent, phone, internet and insurance). It was moved, seconded and voted unanimously to accept the Treasurer’s report. She said she thought we had the funds to upgrade our technology if needed.
Assistant Treasurer
She reported a discrepency of $43 but will recheck her arithmetic.
Office Volunteers
No report.
Office manager
No report.
Speaker chair
No report.
Website.Directory
He had earlier reported about links to social media on the website.
Newsletter
A newsletter will go out October 1. The deadline for submission will be 9/15 or 9/20 at the latest.

The meeting closed at 8:09 pm with the Al‑Anon Declaration.

The next meeting will be October 14, 2014 at 7 pm at the Griggs Midway building.


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Edited for the web 9 October 2014