Post by RCA Webmaster on Jun 12, 2023 5:58:16 GMT -5
Decorum in debate is also guided by Robert’s Rules of Order, which states:
When a question is pending, a member can condemn the nature or likely consequences of the proposed measure in strong terms, but [the member] must avoid personalities, and under no circumstances can [the member] attack or question the motives of another member. The measure and not the member is the subject of the debate.
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Proposal for 2023 ABM
No: 1 Title: Proposal to add language to the section entitled Helping Your Group Thrive on page 77 of the Basic Text supporting Zoom and hybrid meetings
Submitter: RCA Literature Committee’s Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity and Inclusion Type: Amendment to Fellowship Approved Literature.
Motion:
The Committee moves to edit the section of the Basic Text entitled “Tips to Help Your Group Thrive,” at page 77. Ballot Proposal One is to include the following new paragraph at the end of page 77:
“Historically, most meetings were held in person. However, there now are other options such as telephone conference call meetings, videoconference meetings and hybrid meetings, in which a meeting simultaneously is held in person and by videoconference. Such meetings can make it possible for couples to participate in RCA recovery who might not otherwise be able to attend an in-person meeting. For instance, couples who find it difficult or impossible to attend in person because they are differently abled, have health challenges, lack access to transportation, or live far from the closest in-person meeting may be able to participate in meetings by conference call or videoconference, or in hybrid meetings.
“If a group opts for a hybrid meeting, it is important that the group be aware that there are various options, which might include acquiring technical equipment for a videoconference connection, such as a laptop computer, microphones, and cameras, a projector and screen, and a stable internet connection, but might be as simple as having someone share on their smart phone. Also, it may be helpful to have a couple who is willing to take on a service position to attend the in-person meeting, to take responsibility for storing technical equipment between meetings, and to facilitate the videoconference.”
The existing text was created long before the COVID-19 pandemic made Zoom videoconference meetings the new normal for the vast majority of RCA meetings. Now, we have in-person meetings, Zoom meetings, and hybrid meetings. To be as inclusive as possible, we believe that the Basic Text should be updated to reflect the new technological environment.
When a question is pending, a member can condemn the nature or likely consequences of the proposed measure in strong terms, but [the member] must avoid personalities, and under no circumstances can [the member] attack or question the motives of another member. The measure and not the member is the subject of the debate.
====================================
Proposal for 2023 ABM
No: 1 Title: Proposal to add language to the section entitled Helping Your Group Thrive on page 77 of the Basic Text supporting Zoom and hybrid meetings
Submitter: RCA Literature Committee’s Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity and Inclusion Type: Amendment to Fellowship Approved Literature.
Motion:
The Committee moves to edit the section of the Basic Text entitled “Tips to Help Your Group Thrive,” at page 77. Ballot Proposal One is to include the following new paragraph at the end of page 77:
“Historically, most meetings were held in person. However, there now are other options such as telephone conference call meetings, videoconference meetings and hybrid meetings, in which a meeting simultaneously is held in person and by videoconference. Such meetings can make it possible for couples to participate in RCA recovery who might not otherwise be able to attend an in-person meeting. For instance, couples who find it difficult or impossible to attend in person because they are differently abled, have health challenges, lack access to transportation, or live far from the closest in-person meeting may be able to participate in meetings by conference call or videoconference, or in hybrid meetings.
“If a group opts for a hybrid meeting, it is important that the group be aware that there are various options, which might include acquiring technical equipment for a videoconference connection, such as a laptop computer, microphones, and cameras, a projector and screen, and a stable internet connection, but might be as simple as having someone share on their smart phone. Also, it may be helpful to have a couple who is willing to take on a service position to attend the in-person meeting, to take responsibility for storing technical equipment between meetings, and to facilitate the videoconference.”
| Submitter’s Rationale: If passed this proposal would implement a recommendation made by the RCA Literature Committee’s Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (“Committee”). The Committee was appointed at the direction of the RCA Board of Directors to look for ways to help make RCA more diverse, inclusive, and welcoming to all, including in its website, literature, and meetings. RCA’s rules require the approval of the fellowship to make changes to RCA’s Basic Text. That is why this ballot proposal has been submitted to you for your consideration. |
The existing text was created long before the COVID-19 pandemic made Zoom videoconference meetings the new normal for the vast majority of RCA meetings. Now, we have in-person meetings, Zoom meetings, and hybrid meetings. To be as inclusive as possible, we believe that the Basic Text should be updated to reflect the new technological environment.
| Board of Trustees’ Comments on Proposal One The Board unanimously endorses Ballot Proposal #1 for the reasons stated in the submitter's rationale, which is based on the report of the Literature Committee's Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity and Inclusion. |
| Structure Committee’s Comments on Proposal One: Zoom and hybrid meetings already are operating fine. Why do we have to rewrite our basic text to handle details that are already handled? Application of the advances in electronics and communication are far outpacing RCA’s abilities. Are we going to rewrite our basic text with each development? These kinds of changes are best dealt with in a pamphlet, on the website, in the enews, or possibly in the Policies and Procedures Manual, all of which are easily modified. 0 Yays 6 Nays |