Report and Charter Committee Report - October 2024

Meeting opened at 9:03 with the serenity prayer and introductions. The meeting opened w/ 8 in attendance, including 2 at their first assembly. 2 joined later, one of whom was also at their first assembly. Nick K stopped in for a bit. The minutes were read and approved. 2024-04-06 002 Technology and communications with consultation of report and charter: dissolve the taper position and create a tech gopher position. The Technology and Communications Committee had asked Report and Charter to weigh in on a new “Tech Gopher or Squirrel” position, replacing the “Taper” position currently within our scope. Erin and Zach had attended a T&C meeting; Zach read his notes. The new position would likely not require more than basic technical skills, though this might change appreciably if hybrid assemblies were to be held. There was consideration of the alternate delegate storing the equipment, as only 1 night funding is available and set-up time might be a concern. Dan, the current recorder, felt strongly that the equipment should stay w/ the person holding the position. Possible terms discussed were a 6-year appointment and a 2-year elected position. No one opposed the R&C committee recommending the 6-year appointment. We also recommended that a very explicit list of responsibilities be provided. Dan left the meeting with information and shared it in the T&C committee meeting. Upon his return, he reported the only information that impacted his thinking was that a 2-year term could be beneficial when a secretary has a good relationship with the Gopher, which appears to be the current case.

Map Update: Zach did not find anyone that disputed the boundaries he had for the Lincoln districts. Mike to go forward with the Omaha boundaries and consult Summer on western NE. he will provide a document in time to be included in the January Newsletter.

Agenda Item 2024-01-06 #001 Report and Charter: Clarify the scope of standing committees to resolve agenda items in committee. Discussion centered. Zach reached out to the item originator. Agenda item was in response to recent differences of opinion. Discussion centered around committees’ already having appropriate rights of decision. Several options are already available for members to address concerns they have for a committee’s decisions and actions. General consensus was that the Area could do more to educate members about current policies and procedures, and continue to promote and reinforce these. Workshops were mentioned and someone reported that such an event was on the Agenda/Workshop committee’s shortlist. A motion was made to take no action on this item, it passed 9-1.

**In the Oct newsletter this item listed as still being in committee, which is correct. The R&C committee report in the same newsletter indicated that it was decided to take no action on this item at the July Assembly. It should have stated that the committee tabled the item during the July Assembly.

Agenda Item 2022-04-02 #003 Report and Charter: Consider how to incorporate virtual groups that choose to participate in Area 41 into the Area 41 service structure.

**This item should not be listed as Still in Committee. At the July Assembly the R&C committee voted 11-0 to take no action, as reflected in our report.

Agenda Item 2024-07-13 008 exploring Spanish translation.

Nick had used the Delegates mailbag to poll the delegates if they have any translation services at their assemblies and what the cost budgeted for them. Not a lot of Areas replied that they offered translation services. Some had volunteer services, but professional services are very expensive. Area 15 in Southern Florida had budgeted $22,600 for 2024. The committee felt it was important to get a better understanding of the needs of the Area’s membership and voted unanimously to table the motion while checking with members and other committees which may also have translation needs.

** The report as shown in the October Newsletter duplicates the agenda item. The top of page 15 will need amendment Past Actions Update.

We quickly realized that we did not have sufficient background to proceed with this item in the short time remaining and voted unanimously to table the item while we gathered information.

Items still in committee:

2024-07-13 008 (with tech and communications and AARC)
2022-04-02 006 Agenda Item Report & Charter: Update the scope of the Area Secretary (Area 41 Service Handbook page 11) to add item iv, “Send out an electronic Area 41 highlights communication to the Fellowship, suggested within two weeks of each Assembly, to include the results of the voting items and the voting items for the upcoming Assembly.”