1. The Chairperson (Mel) puts an agenda topic on the table.

2. DISCUSSION--General: 

1. Round #1

                           i.     Committee members share their ES&H on that topic by replying to ALL members of the committee.

                          ii.     It is important that EVERY member of the committee receive EVERY share on the topic

                         iii.     It helps if shares of ES&H include reference to Al-Anon principles, and not just personal opinions (Steps, Traditions, Concepts, Warranties, Service Manual, etc)

                          iv.     Each committee member shares once per round

2. Round #2

                            i.     Chairperson opens round #2

                           ii.     Committee members send shares of NEW ES&H—please do not repeat what you’ve already said

3. Round #3, etc if necessary
4. Chairperson asks for a motion

3. MOTION

1. A committee member makes a motion

                          i.     Note:  we will be working on complex issues, so please word motions carefully.

                         ii.     The motion may contain more than one part.  If so, it may be a good idea to make multiple motions, if each part is independent.

                        iii.     It is possible for multiple motions to be on the floor IF they are closely related, but not in conflict with each other.

2. The motion is seconded—if not the motion dies

4. DISCUSSION OF THE MOTION

1. Chairperson opens discussion of the motion.
2. This round of discussion should focus on the motion and nothing else.
3. If it looks like the motion is flawed, then it should be amended or withdrawn.  It is much better to fix a flawed motion before it is passed than to try to fix it afterwards.

5. VOTE ON MOTION

1. A committee member may “Call for the question” IF adequate discussion has occurred.
2. Chairperson re-posts the motion, as amended and asks for a vote and states what “Substantial Unanimity” is required for this motion, and the deadline for voting.  Simple motions may only require a simple majority.  The more divisive the issue is, the more important it is that substantial unanimity be truly substantial. 
3. Committee members vote Yes or No for the motion by sending their vote to ALL committee members. 
4. Chairperson announces the outcome of the vote.

6. CHAIRPERSON ASKS if there are any other motions related to the current agenda item.

1. If so, then the meeting goes to a new motion (see#3 above)
2. If not, the meeting goes to the next agenda item (see #1 above)

7. ELECTIONS     

1. After discussion of issues and voting on all the motions is completed, we move on to the election of people. 

                         i.     Some positions may be elected (List Administrator, Secretary, Treasurer, for example)

                       ii.     Some positions may be appointed (greeters, daily chairpersons, etc)

                      iii.     If the Business Committee Chairperson is available for an elected position, then the election is run by an elder statesman—probably me in this case.

                      iv.     The key position is elected first (List Administrator) and then we work our way down the list, one at a time. 

2. Chairperson announces the position to be elected and asks for ALL members who are eligible to state whether they are available or not for that position.  I’m assuming that every member of this committee is eligible, so that means that every member responds “Available” or “Not Available”.
3. Chairperson asks each person who is “Available” to say something:  why they want the job, their Al-Anon resume, what they would bring to the job, etc. 
4. Chairperson asks for a vote, announces the voting deadline, and announces the necessary vote tally to elect this position (simple majority, 2/3’s, etc) as decided somewhere back in the motions.
5. All members of the committee vote by sending a PRIVATE email to the Chairperson ONLY. 
6. Chairperson announces the outcome of the vote.

                                                    i.     If the tally of votes does not meet the required tally to elect, then the voting continues following the Third Legacy Procedure as described in the Service Manual.

7. Chairperson announces the next position to be elected, and so on.

8. Any new business???
9. Chairperson closes the Business Meeting
10. Chairperson announces to the regular ASP meeting the outcome of the meeting

1. Motions passed.
2. Election results.

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTES:

 

1. The Business Meeting is the ONLY place we discuss this business.  Business issues are not to be taken to the ASP meeting.

2. If a member of ASP wants to bring something to the Business Meeting, then they must attend the Business Meeting.  There is no proxy voice or vote in Al-Anon.

3. Send your messages for the Business Meeting to ASP_AFG@yahoogroups.com

4. Like all Al-Anon meetings, this is a “Who you see here, what you hear here, Let it stay here.” meeting.  No exceptions, OK?