BUSINESS MEETING FORMAT
Charlotte AA Group - Second Saturday of Each Month
8:05 PM (Following Regular Meeting)
Maximum Duration: 30 Minutes
OPENING (Group Conscience Chairperson)
"Welcome to the business meeting of Charlotte AA Group. It's 8:05 and we have until 8:30. Any unfinished business will be automatically tabled.
My name is _______ and I'm an alcoholic.
Let's open with the Serenity Prayer."
(Serenity Prayer)
GROUP MEMBERSHIP & PARTICIPATION
"This business meeting is for group members only. If you're not a member but want to join our home group, you can declare yourself a member now by saying so.
If you're not a member and don't wish to join tonight, we ask that you leave so we can conduct group business. Only registered members may attend and vote at business meetings."
(Pause for any new member declarations or for non-members to leave)
ANNIVERSARIES & NEW MEMBERS
"Do we have any anniversaries for [current month]? And are there any new members or anyone who would like to join the group?"
(Acknowledge anniversaries and welcome new members)
SOBRIETY STATEMENT
"I'll now read our group's sobriety statement:
This group defines sobriety as freedom from alcohol, marijuana, narcotics, and misuse of prescribed medication. This position exists to give the newcomer the best possible chance of recovering. We do not enforce this definition for membership. The only requirement for membership in AA and this group is a desire to stop drinking. This statement represents what we collectively believe as a group about sobriety."
SECRETARY'S REPORT
(Secretary reads minutes from previous business meeting)
"Are there any corrections to the minutes? ... Minutes approved."
TREASURER'S REPORT
(Treasurer provides financial report: opening balance, contributions, expenses, closing balance)
SERVICE POSITION REPORTS
- GSR Report (District/Area news)
- Treatment Center Rep Report (H&I committee updates)
- Supply Person Report (Inventory, purchases, and sales)
- Other positions as needed
OLD BUSINESS
(Discuss any tabled or ongoing items from previous meetings)
NEW BUSINESS
(Read the following from Business Meeting Bylaws:
- Voting Eligibility section
- The Main Motion Process section
- Discussion rules from Step 4 of the motion process)
(New proposals, concerns, or group decisions)
Reminder: Significant changes require one month of prayerful consideration before voting
QUARTERLY COMMITMENTS
(Every 3 months: Sign-ups for Chairperson, Coffee Maker, and Greeter)
CLOSING
"Motion to adjourn? ... Seconded? ... Meeting adjourned.
Let's close with the Lord's Prayer."
(Remain seated and recite Lord's Prayer)
NOTES:
- Only registered group members may vote
- Charter cannot be amended before [Date - 2 years from founding]
- Significant decisions require 2/3 majority
- Minor operational decisions require simple majority
- Meeting ends promptly at 8:30 PM - all unfinished business automatically tabled
- Secretary maintains digital records (Google Docs/Sheets) on group laptop