[Kellye C]

We have a group conscience meeting once a month. Our service positions are held by members of the steering committee which are members elected yearly by group conscience. With the exception of GSR (2 years) all positions are 1 year. The majority of our steering committee members, including my husband and I, are members with 2 - 5 years sobriety although we have members with lots more sobriety. Our group has become increasingly dysfunctional this past year. I was told by an older member that the oldtimers are stepping back and letting us sink or swim and then will basically come in and pick up the pieces if they have to. This is wonderful considering one of the biggest problem people is someone who claims 19 years. Anyway, the newcomers are encouraged to get involved with service work including making coffee and cleaning up as well as reading how it works, passing out chips and after 30 days sober starting to co-chair meetings. There is a lot of apathy in the group with a handful of people doing the lion's share of the work the rest content to walk over the filth and contribute to it by not picking up after themselves, using the group as a dumping ground for their old clothes or refusing bring food to the monthly gatherings. It is very discouraging. These same people are the first (and loudest) to complain. It is so frustrating!

IAs stated, both my husband an I are members of the steering committee. I got involved as speaker rep my first year sober because I knew I had to have something to tie me to the group so that I wouldn't just slip off into the sunset. The next year I ran for an office and didn't get it and spent half a year working on a resentment (smile). Last year I was nominated for treasurer and spent the year in what is for sure the hardest role and most headaches. Neither hubby or I was going to run for an office this year but you know what they say about the best laid plans. Nobody ran for treasurer and everyone expected me to do it another year. Long story short I am starting my second year now and hubby is secretary this year. I am hopeful that by the time we have elections again in November of next year somebody will step up but I'll cross that bridge when it gets here.

They tell me these things go in cycles and that things will get better. I hope so. The group has been around for many, many years so I have to believe that it is true.

It is helpful to see the experiences of other groups, sort of a measuring stick to guage our group by.

Take care,
Kellye