We were having a discussion at our business meeting around what our funds can be used to do. Of course everyone agreed on sustaining our group with rent coffee and supplies. There was also agreement on sending money to our service organizations.
There was also a discussion around 12th Step Work and how it is our job to carry the message.
We decided that to do research; bring back our findings and then we could decide. I am purposefully leaving the specific issue out right now to present a bit of what I found.
7th Tradition means autonomy and our funds should not come from donations et al. No politics or public agendas or affiliations. We are to be self-supporting through our own contributions. I also found where the monies are to be used in any way the group sees fit! Without publicity, affiliation and/or seeking to do more than 12 Step work like: Where n When, our library, and either free or sold AA literature.
The operative words were, "as the group sees fit". There are also comments that state a group is not required to give to our service organizations, although the service organizations are required to serve "all" the membership.
Our group is in existence for 21 years, and for all but last few years, the group, collected funds, and as part of its work, will send a live plant to the home of a member if there is a death in the immediate family. However, over the few years, our group has grown and the leadership has gone from old timers in the program to our younger more energized members. The plant sending stopped. (Be it known, the long term group members never brought this up until now).
The longer term members requested we begin doing this again as it is part of what they believed, shows people we care and want to help. They believe this too is 12 Step Work. Our leadership feels that the monies collected, "can not" be used for this purpose, and that any money collected for that purpose should be done in the parking lot or someplace away from where we meet. So, we were all asked to think about and or look into what the 7th Tradition allows.
Personally, having a dozen years, I have no firm footing on either side but I would like to hear your thoughts. If you care to do a bit of research, just Google AA 7th Tradition. Thanks
-- Edited by gitguy on Thursday 13th of November 2014 10:15:58 AM
The group conscience usually decides how to spend the money it has. Spending some of it on a live plant doesn't seem to me to be particularly heinous. Or against any AA principle, as long as the GC votes on the practice.
This money, that has paid for the plants in the past, it came from the basket collections, right?
When attendees to your meetings throw some money in the collection basket, where do they think the money is going?
When I drop a buck in the basket, I assume the money is going to pay for rent and supplies, with any leftover $ going to the AA service entities (New York, Intergroup, District, Area).
-- Edited by Tanin on Sunday 9th of November 2014 09:58:41 PM
Hey, personally, I think the 'live plant' thingy for members who've lost a family member is a wonderful idea ... IF all other needs of the group have been taken care of ... I feel it shows that we of AA are like brothers and sisters and I wouldn't have any problem with the show of support for a family in mourning ...
That said, I also feel that it is the group, by majority vote that calls the shots on such matters ... it sounds like your groups 'old timers' need to fill the group conscience meetings up a little better ... or at the very least, voice the benefits of having such a 'good works' project to start with ... What's wrong with sending a plant to a funeral that is signed by an 'Anonymous group of living spirits who feel your pain', or something similar ...
Love ya brother and God Bless, Pappy
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
I also see no problem with the plant idea as long as you are meeting your other needs. Yes, intergroup and general service need your donations, however; if your own group falters and members leave because they don't feel cared for or as much a part of - there will be no money to send to intergroup or general service either.
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I will compile your responses and any others I get, using them as research to a group that may need a middleman! BTW, this group, is a really nice, energized and fun bunch. The character of the group has really changed in recent time. The group recently was down to 6 regular members 5 guys 1 woman. Today the membership is about 40 regular members and split 50/50.
Those of us that have been in the group for many years, have to also adjust to our new and growing membership, as that is God's Will. I know this because we haven't done anything different and the membership just grew.
anyway, not to ramble, just letting you know this issue needs resolution but the group is just as it should be.
Sounds good, gg. Good luck to your group. One further thought for your consideration is that you don't seem to have a Tradition 7 problem. Based on your description and especially your classifications, it is a Tradition 2 issue/problem.
Do you know who John Doe is? His story provides an important lesson for all of us.
-- Edited by Tanin on Monday 10th of November 2014 09:02:07 AM
NO PLANTS >>JUST SOBRIETY.......THE money collected IS FOR the GROUP..If you have extra money consider yourself lucky and save it for a rainy day...Maybe a more upscale environment..for the group...or food treats in the group...One group after their open meetings had sandwiches and other refreshments..delicious gourmet bakery...SHOW A LITTLE AA IN GROWN GROUP CLASS
Some would come for the food..and STAYED and got sober.
my home group sends a flower or plant if someone in the group dies.
We have done it for a very long time and only had one woman go against it before.
We also have spent group money on birthday cakes and cookies
there is some aa approaved phamplets out there,i think one may be the homrgroup and the one to the treasure
it is good if you have a 3 month prudent reserve set back first before you start doing these things,that way you can help ensure the groups survivial
We spend money on cards for people's anniversaries, but also if they are sick. I think sending plants shows more class than giving food out. Just my opinion.
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