Taking Our Own Inventory
By Jason D. dcm@area93district7.org
One of the things we learn early in A.A. is the value of taking an honest look at ourselves. We do that personally through the Steps, but that same spirit of self-examination can also be useful in our groups and throughout our service structure.
This October, District 7 will be holding a workshop at the AV Roundup on October10th focused on inventories at the group, district, and area levels. I hope everyone will take the opportunity to participate, but I especially want to encourage our groups to consider taking a group inventory.
A group inventory gives us an opportunity to stop for a moment and ask: How are we doing?
Are we carrying the A.A. message as effectively as we can? Are newcomers being welcomed and given an opportunity to become part of the group? Are we providing opportunities for members to get involved in service? Are we practicing the Traditions in our group affairs? Are we supporting A.A. beyond the walls of our own meeting? Do our members understand what a GSR does and how their voice can travel from the home group to the district, area, and ultimately to A.A. as a whole?
These are not questions designed to find fault. An inventory is not about deciding who is right or wrong. It is an opportunity for the group conscience to look honestly at what is working well, what might need attention, and whether we are fulfilling our primary purpose.
A healthy group is important far beyond the individual meeting. The groups are the foundation of our service structure. Through the GSR, the conscience of the group is carried to the district. Through the DCM, the district’s conscience is carried to the area. Our area delegate then carries the experience and conscience of the area into the General Service Conference process.
That means the strength of our service structure begins with informed and participating groups.
Districts and areas can also benefit from taking inventory. We can ask ourselves whether we are communicating effectively with the groups we serve, whether we are encouraging participation, whether we are making good use of our resources, and whether our service work remains focused on carrying the message to the alcoholic who still suffers.
But none of that replaces the importance of the individual A.A. group looking at itself.
Sometimes a group can continue doing things the same way for years simply because “that’s how we’ve always done it.” A group inventory gives everyone; not just the longtime members or trusted servants; a chance to participate in an honest discussion about the health of the group.
And just like a personal inventory, we may discover things that need improvement. We may also discover many things that our groups are doing very well.
My hope this month is that our District 7 groups will begin talking about inventories at their business meetings. Ask your GSR about it. Bring the idea to your group conscience. Consider setting aside a special meeting where the members can sit together and ask some meaningful questions about the group and its primary purpose.
Our October 10th workshop at the AV Roundup will give us an opportunity to learn more about how inventories can work at the group, district, and area levels, and to share our experience with one another.
A.A. has given each of us a way to continually examine ourselves, grow, and change when change is needed. Our groups deserve that same care and attention.
When our groups are healthy, involved, and informed, our entire Fellowship is stronger.