Group inventory meetings, like many activities, should not be attempted 'cold' (i.e. without a warm-up, without preparation) and should be run along certain lines for maximum effectiveness. Here are some suggestions:
Personal preparation
To prepare for a group conscience meeting, particularly a group inventory, one's relationship with the Higher Power, in relation to the group, should be clarified, in the sense of all spiritual blockages being removed. Here's a suggested procedure:
In prayer and meditation, over a few days, ask the following questions and consider the following points. Maybe discuss with a sponsor or trusted AA friends.
- What do I like about the group's meetings?
- What don't I like about the group's meetings?
With things I don't like, ask:
- Have I written inventory (see pages 63 to 71 of the Big Book) and discussed the inventory with a sponsor (see pages 72 to 75)?
- Where am I putting myself, my sensitivities, my demands, my preferences first?
- Have I reached a place of serenity, of equanimity, of compassion, and of love, with regard to the people, the principles, and the practices I object to?
- Have I looked at the situation from an 'entirely different angle' (i.e. the angle of the other group members or those affected) (see page 66)?
- Have I asked the Higher Power to stand in their shoes and see things as they do (see page 90)?
- If resentful, have I prayed the prayers at the top of page 67?
- If fearful, have I prayed the prayers from the middle of page 68?
- If guilty or embarrassed, have I made amends and otherwise patched things up with those I have fallen out with (see the bottom of page 77)?
If any of these have not been done, and they are due, give them a go! It will be great practice for any difficult situation arising in life.
Rules of procedure
Good rules of procedure for a group inventory:
- On each topic, each person contributes once until everyone who wants to share has had a chance: no double-dipping
- 1-minute cap on contributions (with a timekeeper whose phone alarm goes off after 1 minute)
- Contributions by invitation from the chair only (in response to raised hands)
- No responding across the room (other than by invitation from the chair)
- No talking to each other during the meeting
- If on Zoom: no chatting
No motions are to be presented: the point is to get views and ideas aired and discussed, without any pressure to achieve substantial unanimity (Concept XII).
One-hour cap. Whatever is not important enough to make it into the hour can be discussed next time.
A good list of topics
Tradition I: How can we group members better contribute, through our manner and conduct, to group unity? Do group officers and members place common welfare ahead of personal interests?
Tradition II: How could the group better allow the Higher Power to speak through the group conscience? Do all decisions get made through a well-publicised group conscience or do group officers and others use back-channels?
Tradition III: How could the group better welcome attendees who are shy, different, or don't fit in so easily?
Tradition V: Does our sharing veer off the topic of alcoholism and recovery?
Tradition VII: Do all us group members contribute financially, through diligent attendance and sharing, and through care for others to the health of the group and its members?
Tradition IX: Does the group practise maximum simplicity in structure and administration: being organised as much as necessary but as little as possible? Or is the group drowning in rules and procedures?
Tradition X: Does the group steer clear of outside issues? Do members live and let live, letting those they disagree with have their say with respect, patience, tolerance, kindness, and love?
Tradition XII: Does the group, in its discussions, stick to principles and avoid personalisation?
Wildcard: Is there anything that would make our group friendlier, simpler, kinder, and more effective in carrying the message?
Some tips when contributing:
- Does it need to be said?
- Does it need to be said by me?
- Does it need to be said right now?
- How important is it?
- Is my (proposed) contribution true, necessary, and kind?
- Will my (proposed) contribution promote unity or foster division?
- Will my (proposed) contribution simplify or complicate?
Live And Let Live
Easy Does It
First Things First