The member facilitating the business meeting will be responsible for calling on any members who wish to share their thoughts on the motion. During discussion, it is important that all voices are heard, and that respect is maintained, regardless of the member’s outlook, and that no one talks out of turn.
Should discussion become overly passionate, it is important to remember why the group/meeting is having the discussion that has some members so passionate in the first place – to determine how best to fufill MA’s primary purpose and carry the message to the addict who is still suffering! This is also where it’s important to try and hear any minority views, not just the loudest voices, and to have the willingness and open mind to listen to all viewpoints.
During the annual MA World Services business Conference, if tensions are rising any member can raise both hands to stop the meeting and say the “Serenity Prayer.” When anyone sees hands raised, they raise theirs, until everyone in the room has raised their hands. At this point, discussion pauses and whomever initiated raising hands leads the group in the “Serenity Prayer,” usually the “We” version. Often, this helps calm the tension and pause to remember why we are all so passionate about the discussion.
“Pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right thought or action.” – AA Big Book pg 87
We can all benefit from this quote – particularly during potentially heated discussions. If members are feeling agitated or doubtful as a group during these discussions, take a pause to seek guidance for the next indicated right thought or action.
There is no need to rush in reaching a group conscience, groups/meetings have until May 9, 2023 to return their votes. If a group conscience cannot be reached in one business meeting, it can be tabled, to be continued during another business meeting when everyone is feeling rested and refreshed physically and spiritually to continue the discussion in a productive manner.