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Minutes in MS Word

Fellowship Communications Committee Minutes

Indiana Area Assembly

July 12, 2008

Chair – Carol B.

Secretary – Candy B.

Reminder that the subject of cross talk was addressed on Al-Anon website from the Forum article.

Meeting suggestion – Sharing within the group, what does fellowship communications mean to you? 

Sharing in meetings, Lifelines, Forum, outreach, phone calls to other members. (April)

Service work

Communication – Leads in closed meetings. 

Open meetings are essential and important to share what Al-Anon has done for us. 

Newcomers – Mini leads are helpful to them from members. 

Have a group conscience every so often, allows groups to give feedback. Schedule get togethers before or after meeting times.  Business meetings also.  (Abby)

District 10 –Greenwood starting new meeting.  Suggested that members attend different meetings and bring flyers.  Share e-mail addresses.  (April)

There aren’t any representatives from the Spanish speaking meetings at State Assembly.  Send bi-lingual members to Spanish speaking meetings. (Allison)

District 12 – Take Spanish literature to libraries. (Christine)

Started outreach program in tri-district of 8, 9, 10.  Our tri-district stays in touch with e-mails and flyers.  (Debbie)

Newsletter every four months – calendar of events, recognize birthdays, write about Forum, Lifelines. 

Advertise new meetings in club area of local newspapers, free listing.

Encourage newcomers to come to six meetings before deciding if the program is for them. 

District 2 shared that a newcomer was frustrated by not understanding what a sponsor was after attending several meetings. 

Volunteer after meeting to call a newcomer.  Just ask if they need a ride, not ask too many questions.  Be mindful that it’s an anonymous program and they may not be able to talk at home. 

Meet before or after the meeting at local restaurant or coffee shop now and then, invite newcomers.  May make them feel more comfortable to share in a smaller setting outside of meeting.  Choose a corner or more private area of establishment. 

Be sure to hand out newcomer packet, phone list and meeting list.  List of temporary sponsors. 

Be sure to mention Alateen in meetings, membership declining. 

Send out flyers for new Alateen meetings to all area meetings. 

Share with newcomers to try out several meetings to find a good fit. 

Structured meetings – One week of step, one of tradition, an open one, pamphlet and speaker meeting. 

Give flyers to school counselors, secretary of AA meeting, get the word out.