GSA Phone Bridge Intergroup Meeting Minutes
November 12, 2023
3-4 pm EST
Downloadable Printable Copy

GSA Phone Bridge Intergroup Meeting Minutes
November 12, 2023
3-4 pm EST

Intergroup meeting phone number: 712-432-5229, passcode 4320188#

 

The meeting opened by Cathy B., with the “We” version of the Serenity Prayer and reading of the 12 Traditions. 

Attendance: 12

ISR –

GSRs:  2 – Donna,  Juanita, C.J.

Trustees: 5 – Cathy, Kris, Amy, Shaaron, Jessica, C.J.

Members Carrying Group’s vote: 1 – Katie L.

Listeners: 4 – Kathy S, Debby, Linda, Lori

Meeting members identified themselves and give their service position: Trustee, ISR, GSR, Person carrying a group’s vote, or listener.

Motion to accept the September Minutes as posted on our greysheetmeetings.org website was made, seconded and passed.

Motion to accept the October 2023 Treasurer’s Report as posted on our greysheetmeetings.org website was made, seconded and passed.

Old Business:

Topics to be further discussed from September * Bold lettering is discussion from November 12.

1. GSRs for a series of meetings (example: daily 5:30 am Meetings – one GSR) – Discussion: Suggestions were made to reference the GSR Tool Kit on the greysheetmeetings.org website, which brought up the question of whether or not the Tool Kit needs revision. Jessica and Donna volunteered to update the GSR Tool Kit. Part of the revision process would be to check if PB GSRs qualifications and responsibilities are in-line with the GSAWS GSRs. These GSRs could have Business meetings quarterly; however, when concerns were raised about how to fill all service positions (leaders and bookers) quarterly, it was suggested to have the Business Meetings on the last day of the month and fill positions for meetings of all 7 days, same time slot (for example, 5:30am, 7 am, 10 am, 9 pm), at that time. There was concern that there aren’t enough people who will volunteer for these positions, but one meeting attendee said that in another 12-step program she attends, this monthly business meeting approach has worked effectively, no problem with getting volunteers. Discussion proceeded on this topic. Some liked one GSR per time slot. A suggestion was made to have a team (a couple of GSRs) per time slot.
2. Meeting Leader Training – Discussion: Concerns that people aren’t using updated formats could be addressed by suggesting that new leaders check for updated formats. New leaders could also be politely texted to address current format changes. Former leaders could train newly rotating leaders by going over the format with them. The Business Meeting format could include a list of “need to know items” for incoming leaders, including a suggestion that all leaders sign up for News and Updates on the website. Our GSRs could check with their meeting leaders to make certain that correct formats are used. Also, there is a Meeting Leader Tool Kit on our website that needs review and updating. C.J volunteered to to update the Meeting Leader Tool Kit.
3. Make the announcement portion of the meeting shorter – Discussion: It was suggested to make Phone Bridge announcements only – no announcements about Zoom, in-person meetings, including retreats. Only OK to make a short reference and direct people to Events on the World Service website. We could also make a short announcement and reference our greysheetmeetings.org website for more information. This was discussed. It was once again requested that announcements be shortened and to announce referral to our website for details. This will be further discussed at our January IG Meeting.
4. Recording Marathon Speakers. Tabled for the November meeting and will be “Old Business” in our January meeting.
5. Members referring to non-CAL literature and non-12 step programs-Chair spoke with one Phone Bridge member who has been doing this. She said she will no longer make these references. We still need: new wording for Meeting Formats to explain what CAL, Tradition 6 and 10, Etc.

 

Additional New Business:

If you have any additional New Business, please email us at phonebridgetrustees@greysheetmeetings.org at least one weekPRIOR to the next IG meeting with any new items you would like to discuss at the IG level. Only items that affect the Phone Bridge are discussed at the IG level.

The next Intergroup meeting is scheduled for Sunday, January 14, 2024, at 3:00 pm EST.

Close with the Responsibility Pledge & the “We” version of the Serenity Prayer.

Responsibility Pledge

“When anyone, anywhere, realizes they have a problem with food, I want them to think of the GreySheet solution. For that, I am responsible.”

Serenity Prayer

 

 

The Twelve Traditions of GSA*

1. Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon GSA unity.
2. For our group purpose, there is but one ultimate authority–a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants – they do not govern.
3. The only requirement for GSA membership is a desire to stop eating compulsively.
4. Each group shouautonomous except in matters affecting other groups or GSA as a whole.
5. Each group has but one primary purpose – to carry its message to the compulsive eater who still suffers.
6. A GSA group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the GSA name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property, and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.
7. Every GSA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
8. GSA should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers.
9. GSA as such ought never be organized, but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
10. GSA has no opinion on outside issues; hence the GSA name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
11. Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and film.
12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.

 

*The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions are reprinted with permission (1998) of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. Permission to reprint and adapt the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions does not mean that A.A. is in any way affiliated with this program. A.A. is a program of recovery from alcoholism only —use of the Steps and Traditions in connection with programs and activities which are patterned after A.A., but which address other problems, or in any other non-A.A. context, does not imply otherwise.