GNOSB Meeting Minutes — July 31, 2025

Service Board Minutes
Written By

Greater New Orleans Service Board
Thursday, July 31, 2025 | 6:30pm
Central Office, 638 Papworth Ave, Ste A, Metairie, LA 70005
aaneworleans.org | office@aaneworleans.org

Officers: Chairperson: Jim R. | Co-Chair: Jim N. | Treasurer: Charles H. | Secretary: Rene M.

Estimated 20 in attendance: 4 Trustees; 3 Committee Chair/Co-Chair; Central Office Manager; 1 DCM/District Rep; 7 Group Service Board Reps/GSRs; 5 Visitors; 1 via Zoom

Welcome

Meeting called to order at 6:30pm by Jim R. Introduction of newly elected Service Board members and Fellowship members.

Officer Reports

  • Secretary (Rene M.): Corrections to June minutes — Elections for Treasurer should read Charlie H. instead of Rene M. Corrections accepted; minutes approved. Minutes available on website within a week of meeting
  • Treasurer (Charlie H.): Total budget estimated at $100k. Slight decrease in merchandise sales from 2024–2025. Group contributions down 7–8% (est. $2,500); individual contributions up $1,500. Total income estimated $1,800 off expectation. Expenses on budget, estimated $9k less than expected. BDS gross income: $32k; BDS net: approximately $10k. Treasurer’s report approved unanimously

Old Business

  • Corporate check: Motion to decline $200 contribution from a corporate charity — discussion that regardless of whether the money is needed, outside contributions could spiritually disrupt the organization. Motion seconded; 10 in favor, 2 abstentions. Motion passed
  • Ad Hoc Committee: Special Worker Pay Raises — $15/hr without benefits is not a living wage for the current Central Office Manager. Looking at other intergroups nationally, wages and benefits are not comparable. Motion to have the Central Office Manager research health insurance options and bring findings to Budget & Finance committee’s next meeting: seconded, passed unanimously. Motion to give assistant manager an immediate 10% raise: tabled

Budget & Finance Committee

  • All committee members met on July 24, 2025 (5 present). Commenced review of 2024–2025 budget
  • Preliminary Recommendations:
    • Motion to transfer entire balance of Big Deep South checking account (estimated $47k) to GNOSB Operating account once the final report has been given — all committee members voted unanimously in favor
    • Motion to tie DAAY in the Park’s budget to 4–6% (approximately $3k) of group annual contributions for the previous year — vote passed, 4 in favor, 1 abstained (within committee)
  • Motion to transfer BDS funds into GNOSB account: seconded, passed unanimously
  • Motion to accept 5% of group contributions for previous year (estimated $3k) as DAAY in the Park budget: seconded, passed unanimously

Committee Chair Appointments

  • DAAY in the Park: Eric | Big Deep South 2026: Mary H. | T&C: Anthony F.

Committee Reports

  • DAAY in the Park: Next meeting August 6; volunteers needed for all areas; discussions on location
  • Unity & Service: Position open | CPC/PI: Position open | Hotline: Position open | Website: Position open (preferably someone proficient in web design with database experience — email Central Office manager)

District Reports

  • D12 (Lillyn B., SBR): Won bid to host LASCYPAA next year. Serenity by the Lake meeting to elect committee: August 17, 11am. Back to Basics: Saturday, August 2, 8:30am–3pm, $10 suggested donation. GSR trying to get other districts to rent a van to go to Area Assembly
  • D18 (Charlie H., Chair): Alive and well. Estimate $1,100–$1,500 in account
  • D19 (Oscar A., DCM): Last meeting July 22, average 12–14 attendees. $1,959 current balance. Several positions may open due to no-shows. TNC workshop September 14, 2:30–5:30pm. Special Events workshop chair filled. First upcoming event: “Walk Through Early AA History,” August 30, 11am in Harahan
  • D20 (Andrea H., Outreach Chair): Openings for CPC/PI (1 year sobriety) and Treasurer (2 years sobriety). Ideas for fall workshop. Meetings slow due to summer; should pick up in August. Looking at fundraisers for New Year’s Eve party and a sober spot for Mardi Gras
  • D21, D17, D25: Absent

New Business

  • Service Board Inventory — Question 1: “What is the Primary Purpose of the Service Board?” Please review inventory notes with your home groups and bring feedback to the next meeting. Complete inventory notes available on website: Bulletins drop-down >> Service Board and Central Office

Central Office Report — Carolyn H.

  • Full report available on website
  • Onboarding new Trustees — updated records with State and Hancock Whitney Bank
  • Sharing all data and analytics to help new board make informed decisions
  • Website went through a complete overhaul; information easier to navigate
  • Printed Meeting Book updated with meeting times and QR codes; available at Central Office
  • Custom Sobriety Cards: Central Office will create a custom birthday card depicting an AA chip; can be taken back to home groups to sign

Meeting closed at 7:52pm with circle and prayer.

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GNOSB Meeting Minutes — March 27, 2025