MEETING SAFETY

• Our meeting follows the guidelines laid out by SLAAVirtual Intergroup (SVIG), found here.
• Instances of predatory behavior will be addressed in the manner laid out by SVIG:
  1. Our Groups are never a place to act out. Anyone subjected to bullying, harassment, inappropriate unwanted sexual or emotional advances and/or other abuse should report the incident to your Admin or other trusted servant immediately.
  2. Take timely action that includes the realistic warning to the offending person that illegal behaviour will be reported to the police and pursued by the group.
  3. Stay in reality not denial of the extent of the situation BUT stay out of drama.
  4. It is the responsibility of volunteers from the group to handle this as trusted servants on a timely basis.
  5. Two members should approach the individual and acknowledge the alleged behaviour really shows how unmanageable our addiction can be.
  6. Assure the person that the group wants to help them with recovery, and will do so.
  7. However, it needs to be said with caring: “This behaviour is unacceptable. We want to help you, but if the behaviour continues, we will have no choice except to remove you from our group and/or report it to the police. Everyone who comes to our meeting, sincerely looking for help will get it. All in attendance must be safe. Please consider carefully what we have said before you return to the group or meeting.”
  8. Immediate action is necessary and so the group does not require a “formal meeting” to acquire a formal “group conscience.”
  9. The offender might enjoy getting lots of attention and therefore a simple communication by two members with good recovery in SLAA is better.
  10. One person should not take it upon themselves to handle this alone.
  11. Some of the leaders of the group, current and former officers, sponsors and/or long timers in program should help.
  12. Although business meetings and group conscience are very important for many decisions, some things are better dealt with discreetly by a few trusted servants.

CROSS-TALK

Defined as:

• direct responses or references to another person’s share
• advice
• references to outside literature/programs/treatment centers/therapy modalities

These guidelines also apply to our WhatsApp groups, unless there is clear mutual consent for feedback. Any message in violation of these guidelines will be removed by admins with a gentle reminder of group policy. Second violations will result in a written warning and 24-hour temporary removal from the group. Third violations will result in a final written warning and 48-hour temporary removal from the group. Further violations will result in removal from the group until formal amends are offered.

Any member removed from the group (either WhatsApp or during a meeting) for guideline violations has the right to appeal this removal to SVIG under concept 5 of the 12 Concepts of SLAA.