Ozark Area met at 618 Jackson, Joplin MO w/ Spiritual Principles hosting

Meeting opened at 1:30pm w/ Serenity Prayer

Roll call, Twelve Traditions & Twelve Concepts

Officers Present: Chair (Kenny C) Vice Chair (Shelie V) Treasurer (Jackee C)

Officers Absent: None

Offices Vacant: RCM, RCM Alt & Secretary

Subcommittee Chairs Present: AASC (Renita G) H&I (Steve S)

Subcommittee Chairs Absent: None

Subcommittee Chairs Vacant: PI, Literature Review & Outreach

Groups Present: But Do It (Becky M) Butterflies are Free (Tim W) Miracles (James H) Point of Turning (Danny S) Spiritual Principles (Kevin F) Survivors (Terry H) Together in Unity (Andy M) Under Grace (Danny W) We Do Recover (Suzanne S)

Groups Inactive: We Will Recover By God (2)

Quorum (7 of 10 active groups): Yes

Recognition of New Groups: None

Additions or corrections to last month’s minutes: None

Motion to accept minutes: Accepted

Additions or corrections to the Agenda: None

Vice-Chair Report: Greetings OASC: 10/20/07

This past month I attended meetings in Joplin. NA continues to welcome new and returning members into our fellowship in our area! The day after our last area meeting I received a call from PI Chair stating she was resigning effective immediately. She said she had informed area chair. She called yesterday asking who she was to turn property over to, and I reminded her area guidelines state area chair will collect property. I received a call from area Treasurer about getting a check signed to pay for the room at region. I expressed concern about signing a check to an addict who is not an area trusted servant and without seeing a receipt. After receiving a couple more calls from area treasurer, I did meet with area treasurer and sign the check for $215. I suggest this area discuss today an acceptable procedure regarding reserving rooms for area trusted servants to attend regional meetings. I have corresponded with AASC Chair, Web Site Coordinator and Robyn V about the Website. The website has been down. Robyn has expressed interest in the Web Site Coordinator position. Debra’s term ends today with old business. After this meeting I plan to facilitate for the last time the joint subcommittee meeting here at this building. Also this will be the last time I will be responsible for typing the minutes and distributing them if I am elected OASC Chair. If you have a change off address or phone number to report just add a note to the end of your report today, and I will update the records for whoever picks up the secretary duties from here. Again, it has been a pleasure to serve the area as Vice Chair since April 2006 and Interim Secretary since September 2006. ILS - Shelie V, OASC Vice Chair

Balance............................ $2,011.73 Balance ending September 29th area report.

Total Deposits..................$ 50.00 Donations and credits given in September

29th meeting.

Total Expenses.................$ 415.90 Expenses since September 29th report and

last meeting.

Current Balance................$1,645.83 Balance as of October 20, 2007 meeting.

DONATIONS EXPENSES

Point Of Turning.............. $ 20.00 $ 15.00 We Do Recover/Mtg/#1502

Under Grace......................$ 30.00 $ 33.64 Sandy A./Mtg.Schs/#1503

$ ------- Void #1504

TOTAL DONATIONS...$ 50.00 $ 215.91 Dale S./Reg.Rms/#1505

$ 95.40 IPower/Web Rew/#1506

$ 54.95 Freedom Voice #1507

$ 1.00 Services Charges

In Loving Service, Jackee C. Area Treasurer $ 415.90 TOTAL EXPENSES

I attended RSC Oct 6 and 7 at the Lake of the Ozarks. There was a lot of information covered.  I will cover the highlights and if this area would like a more detailed report I will be happy to provide that at the next area.  The Regional Secretary resigned two days before the meeting, so we did not have a secretary.  An addict stepped up and did the best he could to take notes for us. 

Before the last RSC we were informed of a situation with the Regional Treasure.  At this time the Region does not know exactly how much money is missing.  An Ad Hoc committee is working on doing an audit for the last 2 years so that we will have an exact number.  I have been assigned to that committee and will be going to Columbia the second weekend in Nov for a meeting.  The resigned treasure wrote a letter to the region, which I will read to you and attach to this report. The RDA will act as treasure until another treasure is voted in.  As soon as I know more information I will pass it on to you. Several areas and groups made large contributions to the region and the treasures balance at this time is $10,272.96.

With the disappearance of the regional money, the region has realized that there are several loop holes and discrepancies with in the regional guidelines.  The region started an ad hoc committee to review the regional guidelines and bring back a more workable set of guidelines to be approved at a future date.  The region is also looking to create a new position for a co-treasure.  They are also wanting to change the guidelines to say that the bank statements will be mailed to a non signer such as the RD, then copied balanced and forwarded to the treasure so that there will be more accountability. 

The main topic of discussion was SMRCNA.  The vote was called and the decision was to have SMRCNA 2008.  Many areas are very unhappy about this decision.  The vote did not go well with 5 areas abstaining from the vote for lack of information.  After the information was given most said they would have voted against having SMRCNA 2008.  However it was too late, the vote had been made.  I have all the reports and more information on the SMRCNA Board. If anyone is interested, please contact me.

The contract for meeting space at The Lake of the Ozarks has ended.  An ad hoc committee was formed to find another place to meet.  After reviewing the information brought back, the region has decided to meet in Columbia Mo at the Best Western.  Because of the contract with Best Western, the rooms need to be reserved 30 days prior to the meeting.  It is my suggestion that we reserve 1 room 30 days prior and if anyone else wants to attend we can reserve an extra room then.  I have reserved a room for the next 2 RSC's. At this RSC, budgets were to be turned in for approval.  Because of the situation with the missing money this has been tabled until Jan.

There much discussion about the Regional guidelines not making it mandatory for those being nominated for different positions to be present with their resume.  Several RCMs expressed frustration about their Areas telling them to vote their conscious on trusted servants and them not knowing who they are voting on.  When nominations were turned in at this RSC, many questions were asked of the people running for the different positions.  There is also a motion to change the guidelines so that nominees must be present to be interviewed.  I have attached the service resumes for the various people running for the open positions. The following are the motions and service positions that were voted on.

Motion to suspend 2008 SMRCNA due to miscommunication

• In favor of suspending = 3; Against = 6; Abstentions = 5;

Donna J for RSO BOD: For = 11; Abstain = 4

Karyn W. for RDA: For = 12; Abstain = 3

Andy D. SMRCNA BOD: For = 12; Abstain = 3

Ralph E. SMRCNA BOD: For = 12; Abstain = 3

Chuck C. SMRCNA BOD: For = 10; Abstain = 5

Motion 100707-1: That the regional bank statement be sent to the RD to be copied and forwarded to the regional treasurer.

INTENT that a non-signer on the account receive the statement for checks and balances

Motion was 2nd by Charlie

• Heather thinks it is contradictory.
• Larry (RSO) asks who has access to the records. The answer is, only the signer can get access.
• Renita wants to amend the motion to add the word "balance" for security.
• Todd spoke in favor.
• Gina moved that the motion is out of order since we have no Treasurer. The motion needs to be table until January
• Jay asked the motion be tabled to the AD-Hoc Guideline Committee. Motion carried.

• Tom’s Area wants this motion passed so logistics could be discussed to help attendance, committees, time lines etc.
• Motion being sent back to groups

Motion 100707-4: To have the next RDA elected in July 2009

INTENT continuity in service so that the current RDA serves 2 years in the RDA position

2nd by Tom

• Question ensued if this is a guideline change or not?
• The resulting discussion determined it is a "temporary" guideline change.
• Gina spoke Con to the motion based on this is a guideline change and we continue to make exceptions.
• Mary spoke pro to the motion because it promotes continuity.
• Karyn spoke pro to the motion quoting the guidelines that clearly state the terms of service are 2 years.
• Doug ruled the motion out of order.

Motion 100707-5: To direct the Ad-Hoc financial committee formed in Saturdays Open Forum to do the following:

• Form a Yahoo Group for direct communication with RCM’s to have the RCMs send in the last 2 years of donation records for their Area and/or groups to be received within the next 30 days through the Yahoo group.
• Upon receipt of donation information reconcile the information with the Regional bank Statements.
• Within 60 days, advise the RCMs of the exact amount of the missing funds that will be sought.
• Prepare a demand letter of which 1 copy will be delivered via certified mail and 1 regular mail according to legal statutes.
• Determine our options of recourse including the statute of limitations, to be presented at the next RSC at which point the Ad-Hoc will dissolve.

INTENT to adhere to guidelines 367 in providing specific purpose and time frame.

Motion 2nd by Todd

• Todd spoke pro to the motion and realizes this is going to require some effort but will be worth it.
• Heather is concerned that the motion has too much direction. Some of her hoe groups donate directly to the region and due to the timing of her ASC, they cannot fulfill this motion.
• Joe clarified that the motion simply asks for an amount to include in the demand letter.
• Larry (Vice Chair) is going to chair this ad-hoc and will ask that all of this information be mailed to his home.
• Didie clarified the $ amount is trying to obtained to put into the demand letter
• Heather spoke con (again)
• Charlie gave the 5th pro to the motion…
• Chuck spoke pro.
• Doug called for a vote, which carried. 12-0-1

Motion 100707-6: To direct the ad-hoc guideline committee formed in Saturdays Open Forum to do the following:

• Form a yahoo Group for direct communication with RCMs
• To have the RCMs send in their guideline concerns and suggestions within 30 days through the Yahoo Group.
• Compile amendments for all financial aspects of the guidelines to be presented for the approval process at the January Region.
• The ad-hoc will receive further direction at the January Region.

INTENT to adhere to guidelines 3.6.7 in providing specific purpose and time frame for the ad-hocs

Motion was 2nd by Tom

• Motion to vote. Motion carried 13-0

Motion 100707-8: Withdrawn

Motion 100707-9: That the articles of incorporation and by laws of the RSO, SMRCNA and Show me Region be provided to all areas at the January RSC.

INTENT to open this up to the areas so we can get a better understanding of the procedures of those they serve.

Motion 2nd by Chuck

• Chuck spoke con as this will slow the minutes
• Gina will amend the motion
• Discussion ensued that this is an enormous task and amount of paper that is not necessary.
• An alternative solution was offered to have them available online for all those who want them
• Call for vote passed 12-0-2

The resumes for the SMRCNA Chair and treasurer were withdrawn due to guideline infractions.

In Jan. The region will have a copy of the CAR for all the RCMs.  Within the CAR will be revisions for the Basic Text to be approved.  I would like to ask this Area to have a GSR workshop/ function so that all the GSRs and anyone else who is interested can get together with me to review the CAR.  I will also be willing to attend any group's business meetings to explain the CAR and answer any questions.  *CAR, Conference Agenda Report, this is the report from the World Service Committee (WSC) in which major decisions are made which affect NA as a whole. 

As I reported earlier, there was a lot of information covered at the RSC.  I have done my best to cover the important points.  As I have not ever served in this capacity, I am not sure how much detail this area would like to have in these reports.  I have all the hard copy information with me that was given at the RSC if any one would like to review this and see if I left out anything of importance. ILS, Renita G.

1. Will there be an outside audit? Answer = Trying to prevent that due to expense, so no.
2. When will the CAR be ready? Answer = Next region.
3. Regarding the statement in this report that you are offering to reserve regional rooms on your bank card and take a check to region to pay the cost at the time of regional meeting: Are you certain the hotel accepts checks? Answer: Yes.

Note: A check for reimbursement for travel expenses was written to interim RCM for $65.

AASC: Verbal report given:

1. Addict asked if any groups present had an idea for a location for the Chili Cook off where their home group has functions. Point of Turning mentioned the Fairgrounds building they have used. GSR offered to get the information to AASC Chair by Monday. AASC Chair felt there is not enough time left to plan they function. Changing the date of the function was suggested. AASC Chair asked that the following information be included in these minutes: The Annual Chili Cook Off has been cancelled because the Galena Senior Citizen’s Center is not available on Saturday nights anymore.

H&I: Greetings Ozark Area:

I’m Don an addict humbly representing H&I subcommittee. Everything has gone well the last month and all meetings were taken in. James is needing volunteers for the C-Star 9am Thursdays at 3^rd & Virginia. Workshop is still in the planning – hopefully will be set for November. In Loving Service, Don G

But Do It: Hello Ozark Area:

But Do It has been meeting in the Shelter at Par Hill Park at 6:30pm on Wednesdays with good attendance. We will have our birthday meeting the last Wednesday of October at Tate’s house. We have explored some new places for our meeting and should have a temporary home by next area. More will be revealed. We have a donation of $60. ILS, Becky M

Butterflies Are Free: Hi Area:

The Butterflies Are Free group of Anderson meets on Thursdays at 8pm and Sundays at 6pm in the Anderson Housing Authority building on 59 Hwy. We have a donation of $5 to area this month.

ILS, Tim W

Miracles: Hello Ozark Area :

My name is James and I am alternate GSR for the Miracles Group. Miracles meets every Friday night at 6:30pm at the corner of 4^th & Byers in the basement of the church. The last Friday of the month is our birthday night. Our campout was great and we thank anyone for coming. Miracles has a donation of $64.74 for area. In Loving Service, James

Point of Turning: Good Afternoon:

Our group still meets 3 times weekly downtown Eldorado Springs in the community building at the park. Times are noon Mondays, 7pm Tuesdays, 8pm Thursdays. Attendance averages 26 on nights, with 10 on Mondays are common, with thick content are very good reminders that it works if you work it. We have literature as well as books. I haven’t checked on funds yet, but we probably have about $100 or so, even after furnishing meat and drinks at our Thursday cookout that fed about 35, and thanks to you guys provided a speaker meeting that 25or so attended. It got cold and rained but we still managed to hear Pam and see Jackee for fellowship. Food was good, spirituality was great. Pam gave a great talk and we stayed clean. We do have a $26 donation for October.

Spiritual Principles: Greetings Ozark Area:

Spiritual Principles Group continues to meet at 618 Jackson Sunday and Wednesday mornings at 9:30am. We have steady meeting attendance of 15 to 20 on Sundays and 8 to 12 on Wednesdays. We have nothing new to report this month nor do we have a donation this month. ILS, Kevin F

Survivors: Hello Area:

My name is Terry, GSR for Survivors. We meet Mon-Sat at noon at 618 Jackson. Our business meeting is 11am on the Saturday that OASC meets. Our b-day meeting is the last Saturday of the month. We do not have a donation for area this month. ILS, Terry H

Together In Unity: Hello Ozark Area:

Our group is continuing to do well we have met our prudent reserve and are averaging around 20 addicts per meeting. The Thursday night meeting is now a closed Basic Text study. We have a $10 donation for area this month. In Loving Service, Andy M GSR

Under Grace: Hello Ozark Area:

My name is Danny I represent the Under Grace group of Carthage. We meet every Monday night from 7-8pm in the basement of Grace Episcopal Church at 820 Howard. It is a non-smoking open meeting. We have no donation at this time. Thank you for this opportunity. Danny W

We Do Recover:

We Do Recover is doing well. Attendance still averages between 20-40 people. We mailed a donation to area for last month and this month. $75 for last month & $40 for this month. The doors to We Do Recover will be open on Thanksgiving Day around 11am or 11:30am to 8pm.

In loving service, Suzanne S

• Discussed Show Me Region considering having a "Vice" Treasurer position or a "Co" Treasurer position as a result of the recent incident involving the mishandling of regional funds by last Regional Treasurer.

• A suggestion was made for RCM to request that the new Regional Treasurer go by the bank the day of Region and collect a current balance statement to present at Region.

• Discussed Show Me Region’s Secretary’s resignation.

• A suggestion was made for RCM to request that an Interim Regional Secretary be appointed at Show Me Region.

• OASC Treasurer handed out the following chart of the area’s budget expenses:

(Budgets expenses below were figured from October 18^th 2006 – October 18^th 2007)

SUB-COMMITTEE YEARLY BUDGET YEARLY EXPENSES

Public Information $1,800.00 $659.40 Freedom Voice

$ 46.80 Joplin Globe

$ 50.00 Reg. Milege

$117,64 Meeting Schs.

$ 17.00 Ink Cartridge

$ 42.85 Scanner

$320.82 Literature

$ 95.40 Ipower/Web renewal

$1,349.91 TOTAL EXPENSE

Hospitals & Institutions $1,200.00 $405.83 Literature

$405.83 TOTAL EXPENSE

Regional Comm. Member $1,000.00 $646.04 Regional Rms.

$646.04 TOTAL EXPENSE

Secretary $ 150.00 $ 13.32 Printing

$ 40.77 Ink Cartridge

$ 54.09 TOTAL EXPENSE

Treasurer $ 125.00 $ 24.88 Ink Cartridge

$ 12.00 Bank Service Chgs.

$ 36.88 TOTAL EXPENSE

Literature $ 300.00 None

AASC $1,200.00 $1,200.00

General Area Expenses No Budget $ 40.00 PO Renewal

$ 100.71 We Will Recover By God-Literature

$ 60.00 Mtg.Rental PrMo.

$201.71 TOTAL EXPENSE

NOTE: Not put into any expense budgets: $100.71 We Do Recover By God-Literature

$ 60.00 Meeting Rental per month.

• Area members suggested during next month’s annual meeting the secretary and treasurer expense categories be combined with other miscellaneous expenses and listed in a category titled "General Area Expenses."

• OASC PI/Web Site Coordinator situation was discussed

• Question was posed: Do we want to separate these and make the Web Site Coordinator position a separate entity? Area expressed no interest in doing this at this time.
• Who will collect OASC property from PI Chair? OASC chair will do this according to guidelines.

• Discussed procedure to reserve room for region in the future.

• It was decided that each month preceding region a number of area trusted servants who plan to attend will be tallied and the number of rooms needed and total nights needed will be determined at that time.
• RCM offered to reserve room on her bankcard and then pay for the room in person with a check from the area each region.

• Statement was made that the final draft of the 6^th Edition of the Basic Text is now available to be purchased. Addict suggested the area purchase one final draft for each area group and one copy for the area totaling $72 plus shipping & handling.

• RCM reminded area that the final draft of the 6^th Edition of the Basic Text will be included with the CAR and available for $11 in December.
• OASC members decided to wait until December to get the draft with the CAR.

• Nominations for Treasurer position were closed
• Votes were taken for the following positions:

• Shelie for OASC Chair = yes
• Jackee for OASC Treasurer = yes
• Renita for OASC RCM = yes
• Shavett for OASC AASC Chair = yes

• Kevin F was nominated for OASC PI Chair position… nomination was seconded…. Resume follows:

I am honored to accept the nomination for Public Information Subcommittee and hope to humbly serve N.A. as best I can. N.A. has given me a life worth living therefore; I consider service to N.A. to be a matter of personal responsibility as well as an obligation.

I attend N.A. meetings regularly and occasionally chair them, having done so since 1986. I work N.A. steps with an N.A. sponsor who also has a N.A. sponsor. I also sponsor other men in the program.

I have served in several N.A. service positions, most of which have been in the past five year and are as follows.

P.I. Vice-Chair: 2002 – 2003

Helped revised O.A. P.I. presentation guidelines 2002

Spoke @ Carthage School on PI panel: 2003

H & I Vice-Chair: 2004 – 2005

Attended H&I Workshop in Tulsa: 2005

GSR for Spiritual Principles Group: 2004 – 2005

Chaired Ozark Center H&I Mtg.: 2004 – 2005

GSR for Spiritual Principles Group: 2006 – 2007

• Andrea R was nominated for OASC Secretary position… nomination was seconded…. Resume follows:

Service experience: Activities Chair for We Do Recover: 02 to 03 fulfilled commitment, Treasure for We Do Recover: 10/05 to 10/07 fulfilled commitment, chair meetings, sponsor women in recovery and I am willing to serve. I have a home computer and access to the Internet (most of the time).  I love being in recovery, and I have experience, strength, hope, and the desire to give back to Narcotics Anonymous.

• Kevin F agreed to serve as Interim OASC PI Chair until next area meeting and was appointed as such.
• Andrea R agreed to serve as Interim OASC Secretary during this meeting to assist Chair with note taking.
• OASC members asked OASC Chair to print and distribute 300 meeting schedules making necessary changes from the meeting schedule previous Web Site Coordinator sent to Chair via email. Chair agreed to do so asking GSRs who do not have their mailing addresses in the Current Trusted Servant Contact List below to call 417-438-8842 to request meeting schedules leaving information of a mailing address for the schedules to be mailed to.
• Treasurer and RCM will get together by next area meeting and add current RCM’s name to bank account signature and to remove Dale S from the signature page.
• Area Inventory questionnaire from the Area Planning Tool was handed out to each GSR.

• Please go over each of these questions with your group members at your next business meeting and bring the completed questionnaire to area next month. The responses will be tallied and posted in December’s minutes giving us feedback regarding areas in need of improvement here at the area level.

• OASC service positions currently open for nominations include: Vice Chair, Secretary, RCM Alt, PI Chair, Literature Review Chair & Outreach Chair.

 kc