Agenda – 4/12/2026

1. Welcoming (start recording and AI)

● Chairperson: Russell W

2. Opening Prayer

● God, set aside everything we think we know about our Higher Power, about ourselves,

about this intergroup, and our own recovery, so we may have an open mind and a new

experience with all these things. Please help us see the truth.

3. Minutes – Reading / Waiver of Reading / Motion to Approve

● Secretary: Melvin B

4. Reports from Officers

● Vice Chairperson: Jenean B

● Secretary: Melvin B

● Treasurer: Carla C

5. BTVIG Committee Chair Reports (confirm all)

● Data Tech: Matthew B

● Host / Co-Host: Lori D

● Zoom Service Training: Jenean B/Matthew B

● Member Contact List: Sonya

● Newsletter: Michelle B

● Welcome Committee: Melvin B

● Speaker Seekers: Christine C

● Workshops: Lori D

● Sponsorship Committee: not active

● No Disruptions: Annie

● Facebook Admins: Russell, Lori D

6. BTVIG Meeting Delegates

● Newcomer Meeting Rep: Jen V

● World Service – Virtual Region Delegate: MaryHelen

● World Service Office Delegate: Cynthia D

7. World Services and/or Regional Visitors

8. Ongoing Business to Review

● New business meeting Zoom ID for website

9. New Business

● Call for any new business

● Retreat information – 2026 planning has begun. Monthly update

10. End Meeting Motion

11. Serenity Prayer

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the

things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Better Together Virtual Intergroup – Business Meeting Minutes

Key Takeaways

• 2026 Better Together OA Retreat will keep early registration at last year’s price; rates increase significantly after August 1.

• Retreat steering committee has begun planning for the October 2026 Chicago retreat.

• New meeting format is working well, shortening meetings by about 11 minutes on average.

• Business meeting Zoom ID will change effective April 1, 2026.

• Treasurer’s report shows a total balance of $11,007 with $5,385 in earmarked funds.

• World Service Delegate Cynthia will attend the World Service Business Conference April 21–26.

CHAIR REPORT - Russell

The steering committee met to discuss the in‑person retreat in Chicago.

Discussion

• Early registration will remain at last year’s price despite inflation.

• No refunds will be issued after August 1.

• A WhatsApp community will be created for communication and ticket transfers.

• Intergroup is responsible for a $24,000 hotel contract.

• The retreat hotel is the Sheraton O’Hare, with rooms at $169 (regularly $239) and free shuttle service.

• $471 is currently in the retreat account from the 15% monthly allocation.

• A countdown to the retreat has been added to the website (BTVIG.org).

• Early registration remains unchanged until August 1, after which prices will increase.

• Sheraton O’Hare confirmed as the retreat hotel.

• WhatsApp community will support communication and ticket resale.

Meeting Format Changes

The new meeting format implemented last month was reviewed.

Discussion

• Average meeting end time improved from 10:18 PM Eastern in January to 10:07 PM Eastern in February.

• Positive feedback received; no complaints about the new script.

• Members report the script is clearer and shorter, making service more accessible.

• More diverse participation is occurring as different members are sharing.

• Moving the request for the next night’s chair earlier in the meeting was well‑received.

• An on‑screen timer will begin being used to support consistent timing.

Conclusion

• The new format is effective and meetings are ending earlier.

• Participation is broadening with new voices sharing.

• Timer implementation begins immediately.

Vice Chair Report - Jenean

Discussion

• WSO Questionnaire submitted.

• Has volunteered to assist with Sign-up Genius and Co-Host Roster

Secretary Report - Melvin

No Report

Treasurer’s Report - Carla

Details

• Total balance: $11,007

• Retreat fund: $5,000 (will decrease by $2,000 once deposit processes)

• Operations fund: $6,300

• Earmarked funds total $5,385, including:

  • $1,120 prudent reserve

  • $3,700 delegate expenses

  • $471 retreat fund

  • $50 scholarship fund

• Donations received:

  • 31 Venmo donations ($350)

  • 6 PayPal donations ($66)

  • 4 Zelle donations

• Expenses include:

  • $287 annual Zoom fee (reduced from $340)

  • $15 monthly mailbox fee

  • Bank fees

• Completed donations:

  • $1,400 to World Service

  • $350 to Virtual Region

  • Additional $3,000 to World Service and $1,400 to Virtual Region

Conclusion

• Finances remain stable with over $11,000 in total funds.

• All planned donations to World Service and Virtual Region have been completed.

• Tax filing is the next major financial task.

Business Meeting Zoom ID Change

Discussion

• A new Zoom ID will be used for business meetings beginning April 1.

• The ID will be listed only on the website calendar, not the main page, for security.

• New meeting information was shared in the chat.

• The change protects the main account number from Zoom bombers.

Conclusion

• New Zoom ID becomes effective April 1.

• Access will be limited to the calendar section of the website.

Service Positions and Training

Discussion

• Hosts, tech hosts, and waiting room volunteers are needed for April–June.

• Zoom service training is scheduled for March 15 at 4 PM Eastern.

• Annie is seeking a new chair for the No Disruptions Committee.

• More volunteers are needed for the Welcome Committee.

• The Facebook page needs revitalization; members are encouraged to post and engage.

Conclusion

• Multiple service roles are open for the next quarter.

• Training opportunities are available for members interested in service.

Upcoming Events

Discussion

• A service fair will be held March 15 from 2–4 PM Eastern.

• An abstinence workshop is scheduled for April 26 from 3–5 PM Eastern with optional Q&A.

• Cynthia is registered for the World Service Business Conference in New Mexico, April 21–26.

Conclusion

• The service fair will help members learn about committees and service roles.

• The abstinence workshop will include a four‑speaker panel, moderator, and breakout rooms.

Action Items

Carla

• Contact the bank about waiving insufficient funds fees

• Prepare and file tax documents

Lori

• Write an announcement promoting the March 15 service fair

• Update the website with the new business meeting Zoom information

• Create WhatsApp groups for retreat committees

Melvin

• Send Welcome Committee volunteer request to Michelle B for the newsletter

Russell

• Begin posting on the Facebook page to increase engagement

• Follow up with the bank if fees are not waived

Cynthia

• Attend the World Service Business Conference (April 21–26)

• Prepare a report for the June business meeting

All Members

• Contribute posts to the Facebook page

• Promote early retreat registration

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