Agenda - January 2025

The hybrid option for both virtual and physical attendance increases the right of participation for members of Area 41, by reducing barriers to participation. Well-known barriers include accessibility, accommodations, and remote communities. The hybrid platform would also support implementation of interpretation opportunities. Additionally, some voting members may not have the necessary financial support to attend in person. Allowing the option of virtual participation at Area assemblies helps ensure all voices are heard for our group conscience.

Virtual participation also provides an additional avenue for service work. E.g., a hybrid committee meeting may attract qualified servants who don’t have voting roles at Area business meetings.

Applicable traditions include Tradition 1 that states: “each member of Alcoholics Anonymous is but a small part of a great whole. A.A. must continue to live or most of us will surely die.” Hence our common welfare comes first. But individual welfare follows close afterward.

Also applicable is Tradition 3, which states, in part: “Our membership ought to include all who suffer from alcoholism.” In addition, Concept IV is applicable, stating, “At all responsible levels, we ought to maintain a tradition of ‘Right of Participation’ allowing a voting representation in reasonable proportion to the responsibility that each must discharge.” As GSRs are the voice of their groups and DCMs are the voice of their districts, they have a right of participation.

Area 41 previously assembled both online only, and hybrid (in person and online), in 2020 and 2021. Many Areas in the US and Canada offer hybrid assembly attendance.

The committee believes that most of the on-site support can be performed by existing servants receiving lodging assistance. The committee will work with the Finance Committee to offer additional lodging and transportation funding if needed.

It is anticipated that Area 41 would need two to three in person servants and one or two online servants, to operate the hybrid meeting.

Area 41 already owns the following equipment to be used: Three microphones and receiver, digital audio interface, and a wi-fi router. Area 41 equipment to be purchased immediately: noise isolator filter (estimated $38.99 before tax) and up to 10 webcams (bulk price estimated $38.00 before tax)–one for main room and up to 9 for those committee breakouts utilizing member laptops–for an estimated maximum initial investment of $449.37 after Lincoln, NE sales tax rate.

This proposal assumes that each committee will identify a member owned device that can be used to connect to the online breakout for that committee meeting. The number of committees using a laptop that would benefit from an external webcam for improved video and audio quality will be determined prior to any purchases. Committee breakouts could also use member devices such as a phone or tablet, without the need for an external webcam.

Equipment to be lent by A.A. members for one year period: projectors, second screen (if needed), small amp(s) for large breakout (such as GSR Workshop), power strips, extension cords, and other misc. cables. Area 41 currently utilizes the hotel’s house sound, with the current approved contract extending through 2026. If the Area would choose to meet in other types of facilities in the future, additional sound system equipment may need to be considered.

At the end of the period utilizing borrowed equipment, the hybrid meetings would continue with the Area purchasing additional necessary equipment. The proposed list of equipment for purchase is suggested to be considered at or before the fourth hybrid assembly. This would allow time to determine what the Area’s specific equipment needs are, to minimize any initial investment.

As the area becomes more /and more modernized, the need for a person to manage several different pieces of technology instead of just recording assemblies has become apparent. This position could take on tasks such as, but not limited to, making sure the projectors are working, managing the microphones/sound systems, ensuring the meetings are audio-recorded, assisting with slide sharing, assisting with logistics and/or hosting for online or hybrid meetings, etc. This position may be expanded according to the needs of the assembly.

The servant will ensure proper storage and adequate security of applicable equipment, and timely delivery and setup for area assemblies.

Area 41 Service Handbook references to amend include: update “Taper” to “Audio-Visual” in Paragraphs II.C.2, III.C.2.c.iii, IV.B, and IV.B.3; and remove “Taper” reference from Report and Charter Committee scope in Paragraph V.B.9.b.

Area 41 has an elected service position for a Workshop chair responsible for helping plan and support all 4-Corners Workshops, be a liaison to the Area 41 Reunion planning committee and sit on the Agenda committee, they are also responsible for finding a district to host the AA discussion meetings at Area Assemblies. This person is funded, a voting member and will serve on the regular rotation schedule. This person would be eligible to stand for a continued term in October.
The purpose of a 4-Corners Workshop is to take Area 41 to the four sections of the state (defined later) and give local members a chance to learn about Area 41 and to meet and get to know the Area 41 Committee members.