Inner City Brisbane Group Support Forum – 14/04/18

GSF Agenda – Saturday 14/4/18

Hosted by New Farm Monday Night Villiers St Meeting

1. Welcome to new groups and members
   1. David S (Tuesday night West End), Tyson A (Saturday night New Farm), Mandy K (Sunday Spiritual Concepts), Brad N (Lunchtime meetings), Jane T (Saturday morning New Farm), Nicole O (Service Board member and Lunchtime meetings), Rodney H (observing), Tim S (Wednesday night Highgate Hill), Lauren O (New Farm), Malory C (Monday night New Farm), Bruce G (Monday night New Farm), Sally A (Monday night New Farm)
2. Any carry over topics from previous meetings? (5 minutes)
   1. Speaker meeting on the weekend of the LSC, needs volunteers/support
3. Group Report form – a way to guide your group conscience (5 minutes)
   1. Demonstrated the Group report form to the GSF and how it can be a good tool for guiding the group conscience. Advised how the form sends group information to the Qld Service Board and helps let them know about issues. Got great suggestions from members on improving the form (examples of other items like PR ideas and H&I ideas)
4. Trusted Servant Topics: 35 minutes
   1. Who will represent the Inner City GSF at the LSC? (10 minutes)
      1. Mandy K (pending availability) and Brad N with backup support from Lauren O and Jane T
   2. What will we report to the LSC? (10 minutes)
      1. Discussion around how to provide the best visibility was to use the Qld Service Site and the group report forms
   3. Activity – Check Meetings List Accuracy (10 minutes)
      1. Identified a couple of meetings that could use clarification notes. Wednesday West End is actually now in Highgate Hill
   4. How do we get more groups attending the GSF? – Actions? (5 minutes)
      1. Personally approach groups members for other groups to appeal to them to send representation. Rethink Saturday mornings as anyone with kids is usually tied up with extracurricular activities.

5. Financial Topics (15 minutes)
   1. Discussion on how groups manage their funds.
   2. Accounting/record keeping tools – How does your group keep a record?
   3. How to open a not for profit bank account
      1. Minute the full names of those who will be signatories
      2. Transactions require at least 2 people to process a withdrawal or transfer
      3. Arrange a Saturday morning visit to a branch with all members
      4. Present the minutes (on letterhead paper) to the bank and establish identity of members
      5. Moving forward if members need to be taken off or added this is handled by additional minutes supporting the changes and current signatories (ideally those who are signing off will be able to sign supporting documentation and attend the branch)

1. Fund flow
   1. Group fund flow has decreased significantly since the creating the new service structure. Point of information to encourage groups to flow funds.  Many were unsure of how to flow them.  Bank account details provided to help facilitate better management of funds
2. Bank account details for Greater QLD Bank
   1. BSB. 124050
      ACC. 20988136

Provided copies of the Treasurers handbook for representatives to take back to groups and familiarize themselves with recommendations from NAWS.

6. Atmosphere of Recovery – Discussion (15minutes

“Have you ever thought about how we provide for addicts who relapse?

Our oldtimers?

Our trusted servants?

What kind of impression would a visitor or a newcomer have of our homegroup? What is an atmosphere of recovery? How do we help members who interfere with an atmosphere of recovery?

Predatory Behaviour/Violence in meetings

Children in meetings

Primary Purpose

Useful and insightful discussion.   Support of same sex members suggested.  Emphasis on spirituality and ethical behavior not moralizing.  Personal reflection.

7. Other Topics

Local Service Conference details

Speaker meeting – hosted by the Northside GSF 

Special thank you to David S for stepping up to take minutes from the meeting.