BTVIG Business Meeting Minutes

Date: September 13, 2026

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Chair Russell W. and welcomed attendees to the September 13, 2026 BTVIG Business Meeting. Officers were asked to check in.

Officer Attendance

• Chair: Russell W.

• Vice Chair: Jenean B.

• Secretary: Melvin B.

• Treasurer: Carla C.

2. Opening Prayer

The Set‑Aside Prayer was read collectively.

3. Approval of Minutes

Secretary Melvin B. made a motion to waive the reading of the previous month’s minutes and accept them as written.

• Second: Jenean B.

• Vote: Motion passed with 8 votes out of 14 attendees.

4. Officer Reports

Vice Chair – Jenean B.

• No report.

Secretary – Melvin B.

• No report.

Treasurer – Carla C.

Carla presented the July financial report:

• Total funds across accounts: $13,000

• Available balance: $6,800

• Operating fund: $7,000

• Retreat fund: $5,000

• Sheraton deposit: One remaining deposit expected

• Donations:

  • 42 donations (~$500 total), mostly via Venmo

  • 5 via PayPal

  • 9 via U.S. Bank

  • 2 scholarship donations ($50)

  • Additional donation button: $85

• Expenses: Zoom, postage, mailbox, and one retreat refund (Donna L.)

• Prudent reserve: $661 (frozen until after retreat)

• Delegate budget: $46.80 (awaiting receipts)

• Retreat fund: $930 (from 15% donation allocation)

• Retreat scholarship fund: $209

• Registrations: 60 (one cancellation)

• Nonprofit status: New Mexico Secretary of State requires a report; Carla will resolve this month

• Big Book Study issues:

  • Seventh Tradition donation sitting in retreat fund

  • Returned check made out to “Big Book Study” (cannot be processed)

Announcement: Carla will step down as Treasurer effective January 1 and is willing to assist with transition.

Chair – Russell W.

• Upcoming elections: Chair and Secretary (two‑year terms) and Treasurer (two‑year term).

• Nominations open in November; elections in December.

5. Committee Reports

Host / Co‑Host / Tech Host – Lori D.

• Forms for the October–December quarter have been sent out.

• Training available for host, waiting room, and tech host roles.

• All volunteers must fill out the quarterly form, even if unavailable.

• Contact Lori for training or interest in new roles.

• SignUpGenius is part of the host committee; co‑host training handled by Jenean.

Zoom Service Training – Jenean B.

• August training: 6 signed up, 3 attended; 3 new volunteers added for BT Service.

• 18 people signed up for co‑host service last month.

• Reader sign‑ups are low; we need to promote service.

• She will check to confirm SignUpGenius is open through the end September.

Newsletter – Sasha

• New layout caused minor issues but has been resolved.

• Newsletter will be ready for release by the 15th after proof-reading has been completed.

Welcome Committee – Melvin B.

• No report; all is running smoothly.

Speaker Seekers – Christine (Absent, confirmed via Chair)

• Speaker slots are being filled successfully.

Workshops – Lori D.

• Recent workshop: Relapse and Recovery, featuring four speakers; well‑received.

• Upcoming: Holiday Party (post‑retreat).

• Marathons planned for:

  • Thanksgiving Day

  • Day after Thanksgiving

  • Christmas Day

  • Day after Christmas

  • New Year’s Day

• Labor Day marathon had 12 speakers and strong attendance.

No Disruptions Committee – Jenean B.

• Fully staffed; several volunteers requested to continue next quarter.

Facebook Admins – Russell W. & Lori D.

• Hidden, secure group; only Better Together members can join.

• If a member’s Facebook account has few friends (10–15), they must notify admins to avoid being mistaken for a hacked account.

• Security measures prevent unauthorized access.

Virtual Region Representative – Mary Helen

• Upcoming workshop: Principles into Practice (Sept. 20).

• Newcomers Open House scheduled during retreat weekend.

• Virtual Region Assembly: November 14–15.

• Confirmation email verifying her role as rep should be arriving soon.

World Service Office

• Cynthia D. - Not present.

6. New Business

A. Recording Speakers – Anasuya

Anasuya asked whether the Wednesday Big Book meeting could record speakers for later listening.

• Chair clarified that Wednesday meetings have their own group conscience.

• Better Together has explored recording but needs volunteers to manage legalities and logistics.

• Chair offered to speak further with Anasuya if she is interested in helping.

B. Monday Night Meeting Request – Jill B.

Jill requested that her Monday 7 p.m. meeting (formerly Ithaca, NY) come under BTVIG.

• Chair asked Jill to coordinate with Lori to determine support needs and Zoom license alignment.

• Jill will bring the matter to her group conscience.

C. Bullying / Passive‑Aggressive Comments in Shares – Bill & Kelly S.

Bill raised concerns about members making judgmental or hurtful comments about speakers’ abstinence or food plans.

Kelly S. supported the concern, noting repeated incidents involving a specific individual.

Amanda T. asked why violence‑related comments can be muted but abstinence‑related comments cannot.

Chair Response:

• Violence policy was voted in by group conscience.

• Comments about abstinence have not yet met the threshold of “personal attack” under current guidelines.

• Some incidents occurred in Afterglow, which is not part of OA.

• Trusted servants have privately supported individuals whose shares have been problematic.

• Chair will invite the new Virtual Region Trustee to attend a future business meeting to clarify governance, autonomy, and boundaries around share content.

• Discussion will continue once trustee guidance is received.

7. Motions to Close

• Motion: Amanda T.

• Second: Lori D.

• Motion passed; meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.

8. Closing Prayer

The Serenity Prayer was recited. Officers remained for 15 minutes for optional discussion.