You may want to have members answer some basic questions ahead of time to prepare for the Group Inventory meeting. They can be submitted anonymously, if desired. You can use “Google forms” to create a form with some questions for submission (anonymously if desired). Reach out to [email protected] or [email protected] for support. Your Group can add (or exclude) any questions to best suit the needs of the group.
You can also suggest that members of your group review AA’s “Traditions” Checklist and ask themselves the questions included in that pamphlet to see how well each member individually is embodying the 12 Traditions. You can also discuss whether any of those questions should be adapted for use in the group inventory meeting. It is only a suggestion to review and respond to these questions before the inventory, or in writing (or via Google forms) to allow anonymity. Your group has autonomy to conduct the inventory however the group conscience determines is the best for the Group, which may mean reading through these questions together as a part of the Inventory meeting.
Suggested Pre-Inventory Questions about Meeting/Group Logistics for Group Service Members, i.e. Chair, Secretary and Treasurer, to Answer Ahead of Time
- Do your meetings start at the time and place that your meeting schedule lists?
- On the MA World Services’ Meeting Finder, district website and/or printed schedules is it listed accurately?
- Are the meeting’s characteristics on the MA Meeting Finder, such as contact info location, and time also up to date?
- What is the average weekly attendance at your meeting?
- Does the Group have a stable meeting place (whether in-person or virtual)?
- Has your location/platform (e.g. Zoom, if virtual) been an asset to your group? Are there unique challenges? (e.g. Zoom bombers, or members abusing the chat?)
- Are business meetings held every month? On a regular date?
- How does your group take a group conscience at business meetings? Does your group have an established policy on what is needed for a motion to pass, (i.e. is a simple majority or 3/4 majority needed for a motion to pass?)
- Do you have a written group conscience on the meeting format, group service positions, voting procedures, etc.?
- Are minutes kept at each business meeting? Does the group keep records (of speakers, meetings, business meeting minutes?)
- How well does the District keep its historical and institutional record?
- How does your group take a group conscience at business meetings? Does your group have an established policy on what is needed for a motion to pass, (i.e. is a simple majority or 3/4 majority needed for a motion to pass?)
- What are the trusted servant positions in the group?
- Do members fulfill commitments, or are there vacant positions?
- Do some members double up on commitments?
- Do members regularly rotate service commitments i.e. every 6 months are positions voted on again so new trusted servants have an opportunity to be of service (and avoid burnout for members remaining too long in one role?)
- Does the treasurer keep accurate financial records and report regularly to the group so that can be shared with the District or Region?
- Are regular bank deposits made? Is loose cash kept around?
- Are two signatures required on checks if the group has a checking account?