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.
An adequate list of topics
Tradition I: Do I initiate or foster division? Is anyone's personal welfare unduly affected by group policies or procedures? Do I play the 'personal welfare' card at the cost of common welfare?
Tradition II: Do I let God speak though the group conscience and accept the result? Or have there been examples of politicking, grandstanding, back-channels, and wearing down the group by not letting things go?
Tradition III: Is everyone really equally welcome, provided they have a desire to stop drinking? Are there any covert rules for group membership or being in the 'in-crowd'? Am I open and welcoming to all or do I stick to my pals?
Tradition IV: Does the group step on other groups' or AA's toes? Is the group creative or does it just do what other groups do out of fear or laziness?
Tradition V: Do I stick to message carrying, or does my sharing descend into psychology, getting current, or emotional vomiting?
Tradition VI: Have I done anything that diverts my or others' attention away from carrying the message?
Tradition VII: Do I pay my way in money and service?
Tradition IX: Are the group's procedures as simple as possible? Or are they being used to control others' conduct unduly?
Tradition X: Does the sharing and do other group communications steer clear of religious, political, and social controversy? Do I display or telegraph religious or political affiliation or viewpoints? Do I denigrate any religion or spiritual belief or practice?
Tradition XI: Have there been any Tradition XI breaches? Am I overly anonymous and cagey in my relations with others in the group?
Tradition XII: Does the group, in its discussions, stick to ideas and avoid associating the ideas with the person who holds them? Do I push my ideas or do I let them speak for themselves?
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