The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
The current Group Representative in my home group has been trying to recruit a new volunteer to replace her, as her term is up. And I'm not clear on the exact situation, but I think she now has a service commitment that puts her in a position where she can't remain as GR.
So we need a new GR. At last night's meeting, she hinted strongly that she would like me to volunteer. We're in a bit of a bind because we're a very small group, and a couple of the other regular members have circumstances that would make this sort of commitment impractical.
I will have to find out what level of time commitment would be involved. I know they have weekend meetings locally that wouldn't be a problem, but if there are area or district meetings that take place on weekdays I wouldn't be able to take time off work and/or travel.
I also feel rather unqualified. I've only been in Al-Anon for a year, I'm stuck on Step 2, and I don't even have a sponsor yet (the small group is a problem in this regard). I just feel like I'm in my Al-Anon infancy, and I don't have enough experience in the program to take on this role. On the other hand, I'm really the best prospect because of the other members' situations.
Thoughts?
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Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could... Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. - Emerson
Try taking the situation to your HP and hash it out and then wait for an answer.
We're not perfect ever and service helps us to stretch. Ask the current servant to be your "service" sponsor and then ask all the questions you have about the position of GR and recovery.
It works when you work it. Some places the meeting just elects the people to the position. Good luck, You're not alone nor do you have to do this alone.
There's no time requirement nor special qualifications required to be a GR, only that you're an Al-Anon member and not a double-winner (AA members cannot serve in positions as GR, DR or higher).
I was asked to be a GR when I only had 10 months of Al-Anon under my belt. I was still on Step 1 with my sponsor.
I did take it to my sponsor and also to my HP before saying "yes". I've been GR now for two years and I'm on my last year of a three-year stint. I'm going to be putting it out there that my group will be in need of a new GR after this year is up, too.
Getting into service work is a wonderful experience, however, I will admit I haven't been jumping up and down, shouting "Yay! I'm a GR!!" but it has been rewarding, nonetheless. We all start out not really having a clue what we're supposed to be doing. This is were asking if someone could be your Service Sponsor would be helpful - they can run through some of the general stuff with you on what to expect.
Remember you're not there in a position to "run" things. You're there to act as the liaison between your group and the District and Area. The only other thing GR's are asked to do is to try to encourage members to use and subscribe to the Forum magazine.
I think it speaks volumes of your personal recovery to have someone ask you to consider being their GR. I'll bet you'd be up to it. Ask for a little more details on when District meetings are held and Area meetings. If possible, if there's an Area assembly coming up soon, you may want to join that to step in and see what that's like.
In our group the GR also serves for three years. I had been in Al-Anon a little over one year when I became GR. Like you I had my concerns but with the help and encouragement of the former GR and other members the experience was rewarding.
In AL-Anon we don't have leaders, we only have trusted servants. Everyone is equal from the newcomer to the old timers.
In our group the responsibilities include encouraging member to subscribe to forum magazine, conducting the monthly business meeting, making announcements, attending quarterly District Meetings (Our District meetings or on Saturday mornings), and if possible attending Area Assembly.
Talk to HP, and if you get his O.K. accept the responsibility. Service work is part of the program.
HUGS, RLC
-- Edited by RLC on Thursday 13th of January 2011 11:32:08 PM
Good to know that I don't need a whole lot of time into Al-Anon to qualify for GR, thanks for that reassurance.
Part of my difficulty is that I haven't grasped (or "come to believe") the Higher Power concept yet, so the decision rests on me alone. If I wait for an answer from a HP, I'll be waiting a loooong time lol, because I'm flying solo without any outside guidance.
I seem to remember that the Area Assembly will be in my city this year so I'll probably be able to attend.
__________________
Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could... Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. - Emerson
