sharon@al-anon

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Subject: RE: Requesting help

Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2008 10:41:28 -0400

Greetings from the Al-Anon Family Groups World Service Office! Thank you for contacting the WSO about the KBDM process. We are happy to respond.

Our Executive Director, Ric B., prepared this Q&A to aid groups in moving to a Knowledge-Based Decision-Making procedure for group conscience decisions and we hope it answers your specific questions.

1. Can anyone “Call the Question”?

Before you get to this question, you have to discuss the idea that the purpose of Knowledge Based Decision Making is to have an in-depth discussion about a topic for which there is probably not a specific motion in mind. There has to be sufficient background information gathered and distributed to everyone in advance so that there is no one authority or opinion pushed. Time limits have to be set in advance. After time runs out, a group needs to reformulate a question and then begin the discussion at the next meeting. As you can see, these are not the types of questions for routine business. Planning an anniversary luncheon is not a topic for this process. Whether to celebrate the group’s anniversary and how may be.

2. What is the protocol to get the discussion back on track when the discussion drifts too much?

Repeating the question or asking the individual to park a particular idea that isn’t germane to the topic. Because the decision isn’t as important as the discussion.

3. What happens when someone makes a motion?

Because these discussions take place in a committee of the whole structure, motions are out of order. Only when the body decides that it has discussed all issues, should you move out of the committee of the whole. By that time, you should have a number of facts which are agreed to. These would form the basis of the background of the motion.

4. Are motions made using this process? Do motions need to be seconded?

When you move back to the parliamentary process, then motions and seconds are required. Usually this process involves an understanding in advance; little time is spent on crafting or wordsmithing the motion. There is usually little dissent as the body has come to an understanding to proceed before it leaves the committee process.

5. What if someone makes a motion before the Chair feels that the group has a consensus?

See above.

6. Does a motion need to be made and voted on for clarity of the group consensus?

No, but reaching consensus on certain points may be desirable as you move ahead. If there is strong opposition to a point, more than a few members depending on the size of the group, then you must keep talking.

Good question to ask to dissenters, what would have to change for you to be able to accept this idea. If the answer is nothing, I’m absolutely opposed, then you know it’s time to move on that this person only intends to obstruct. The old behaviour of my way or the highway is not helpful here.

7. Who calls for the motion and the vote?

Anyone can make a motion after the body resumes. A second happens and then discussion. If the discussion is more than a few minor corrections, you haven’t finished talking.

8. This process will not work for an hour business meeting once a quarter.

If this is what the group desires, then it must commit to a longer process. The Board or Trustees has discussed certain issues for a year and a half to two years and it is still not ready for a final decision. This is what builds the consensus.

I hope that this helps. Again, remember that not every decision requires this process, but every decision requires that all members have access to common information in advance. This is one of the requirements in building a culture of trust.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us again if we can be of any further service.

In Al-Anon fellowship,

Sharon Barnes

Group Services Assistant/Special Services

Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters

World Service Office

1600 Corporate Landing Parkway

Virginia Beach, VA 23454-5617

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(757) 563-1600 Fax (757) 563-1655

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