Houston Metro Intergroup of Overeaters Anonymous
Monthly Business Meeting
Oasis Club
5645 Hillcroft
April 15, 2000
The meeting was opened at 10:00 a.m. with the Serenity Prayer. Helen
read the mission statement. Introductions were made by the attendees:
Helen D. - Chairperson
Lora L. - Treasurer/Region III rep.
Carl H. Vice - Chairperson
Greg M. Rep. - Oasis Club Board
Janice H. - Rep. Hosanna Wed & Fri mtgs.
Alan B. - Website Coordinator
Roy G. - Parliamentarian
Ann M. - Historian
Judy B. Liaison - Bayland Comm. Ctr./Wed. 10 a.m. mtg.
Jan K. - Rep. Autry House
Paige D. - Rep. Hosanna Fri. mtg.
Rebecca M.
John B. - Delegate
Nancy K. - Secretary
12 Traditions of OA – Carl spoke on Tradition 4. Discussion followed.
Minutes of Last Meeting – The minutes from the March 11, 2000 meeting
were unavailable. The will be read and approved at the May meeting.
Treasurer’s Report – No report
Old Business –
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Budget/Fund Raising - There was a discussion about Fundraiser
2000 and the feedback it created from the website posting and information
included in Helen’s latest mailout. There were concerns about recognition
of donors breaking anonymity and the suggested donation of $10. per year
of recovery being too much for some people.
Alan pointed out that HMI’s financial situation is not as bad as
it appeared to be 5 months ago. Greg recounted the financial history of
the association between the Oasis Club and HMI. The Oasis Club will be
looking at expenses and income and its responsibilities to HMI and the
Region. After that, the Oasis board will get back will get back in touch
with HMI regarding what the club’s contribution can be to HMI, etc.
Discussion of fundraising continued with mention of passing the basket
one time per month for money to go to HMI. Helen mentioned the WSO newsletter
comparing what $1 bought in 1960 compared with what it buys today. The
possibility of purchasing "It Takes Two" signs to be distributed to each
meeting was brought up. Helen suggested that people wishing to give money
to HMI’s Fundraiser 2000 be reminded to target their money for that fund.
$400. has been raised so far through contributions by several old timers.
Mention was also made of the value of encouraging people to contribute
on a regular basis, such as each year.
Lora suggested that the donation of $10. per year of recovery be
changed to say $1. to $10. per year of recovery or whatever is comfortable
for the donor
A motion was made and passed to delete recognition of contributions
made in this fundraiser
A discussion followed regarding buying "It Takes Two" cards. Helen
stated that she felt if treasurer’s reports were made more regularly at
meetings awareness of financial needs would be increased, and the breakdown
of where each meeting’s money is going would be informative. Perhaps this
could be done during the last five minutes of the meetings when announcements
are made. This would help newcomers who may not know what HMI is about.
Helen mentioned the need for representatives from groups to come
to HMI meetings and the importance of different people volunteering for
service. The Thursday OA phone line needs a volunteer to answer phone calls.
John stated the importance of educating groups regarding HMI’s financial
situation.
The suggestion was made that each group might designate someone with
access to the internet as the "web" person. That person would be responsible
for checking the website and relaying that information to her/his group.
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Convention 2000 (Dallas, August 3-6) – The topic of chartering
a bus to take participants to Dallas was mentioned. If there is not enough
interest for a bus, possibly a van can be chartered. Lora will look into
this matter. A decision needs to be made by June.
-
Delegates Report – No delegates report
Committee Reports –
-
Spring Retreats and Convention - Early registration dates need
to be backed up on the flyers.
Convention planning for October takes place on the 2nd
Saturday of each month at the Oasis club, 12:00 noon. The next planning
session will be on May 13th at noon.
-
Public Information – This committee has no chairperson. There
was a discussion of different ways to send out information regarding OA.
There is a video which can be sent to t.v. stations. Jan will look into
what the office of public information is all about.
-
Office Service – There is a need for more volunteers for the
phones. A date needs to be set for stuffing envelopes with newcomer information.
Ann has asked for help on the phone line on weekends. Richard is doing
Monday and Friday. Carl suggested the possibility of a group splitting
one night among its members. This possibility could be brought up during
end-of-meeting announcements. Carl offered to answer phones every other
weekend.
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Web Report – There have been 4,000 "hits" since the opening of
the web page.
-
Newsletter - If a person has an article to be included, it can
be e-mailed to the OA address or mailed to the HMI address. This could
be added to announcements at the end of each meeting.
-
Mailing Lists- There was a discussion regarding distribution
of flyers. Carl is getting the list updated.
New Business -
-
Convention October 2001 – Rebecca is looking into hotel prices.
A motion was made and passed to "lock in" the 1st weekend in
October 2001 as the date for convention. The location will be the Flagship
Hotel. $150. is needed for the deposit.
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Unaffiliated Groups - Region 3 has requested that all groups
which are not part of intergroup be contacted in an attempt to get them
affiliated with HMI. Helen has a list of these groups. She will contact
those close to Houston.
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By-laws – Region 3 went through all of the groups’ by-laws. HMI
hasn’t had a committee look at its by-laws in a long time. Helen has received
a sample of what the by-laws should look like. Volunteers have formed a
By-Law Committee to meet on Tuesday, May 9th at 7:00 p.m. at
the Oasis Club to review the by-laws. Committee members are Helen, Jan,
Carl and Nancy.
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Next mail-out – Helen will send the next mail-out at the end
of June.
Announcements – The next meeting will be held on May 13, 2000 at
10:00 a.m. at the Oasis Club.
Closing – The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 with the 3rd
Step Prayer.
Respectfully Submitted by,
Nancy K.
Recording Secretary
May 13, 2000
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