Meeting Notes from 4/14/11

Dear family,

Below is a recap of last Thursday's meeting, assessing strengths and weaknesses of our family business meetings, as well as addressing where we go from here as we begin year #2. Especially if you signed on late, the notes will help to bring you up to speed.

Thanks to the family for taking the time to commit themselves to a cause as important as our mission of healing. Looking forward to tomorrow night at our social.

1. Strengths
open dialogue
reconciliation, breaking down barriers, bringing together those in conflict
feeling of safety, non-judgmental atmosphere
more conversations with family outside of the meetings
heightened awareness of the importance of family

2. Weaknesses (what's lacking, improvement needed)
promptness
complete honesty, open hearts (perhaps due to fear of alienating others)
using eachother as a resource to promote growth and healing
exposing our weaknesses, vulnerabilities, soft underbellies
realistic expectations from a group which meets only once per month by phone
individual healing, which must precede (or accompany) family healing
patience, unlearning dysfunctional behaviors and owning feelings of anger & disdain takes time
better listening skills
time commitment to work on individual growth
agendas not content-based result in redundancy due to lack of a clear direction
publishing agendas a few days in advance for those who need time for ideas to percolate
more equal participation & less domination, though those not ready to share have that right

3. Plan for Future Business Meetings
adopt a book club approach
use content to spearhead meaningful discussion & sharing
facilitator includes one outside resource on the agenda for discussion.
facilitator includes that resource on the meeting agenda prior to the meeting
ideas for outside resources include:
• a brief passage or reading from any source that resonates
• an Alanon meditation
• a Scripture passage
• a podcast


Love,
Vicki