ESF Bylaws Committee Update – July 10, 2024

As reported last month, the bylaws committee has completed the initial review of the 2014 bylaws document. With the A.A. Traditions in mind, the committee worked to clarify the language of the document, identified areas where we are no longer in alignment with the bylaws and updated the document with additional information such as new trusted servant roles that have evolved since the last bylaws document was published.

While this was a tedious effort, we were blessed with the input of many of our members that took their time to offer their input and insights. Our bylaws are a living document that is brought to life by our members as we use them to guide us in operating the El Sobrante Fellowship, so the group participation is vital. The committee wishes to thank each of you for the support.

The changes we have identified are merely suggestions. The fellowship members will have a say in the final contents of the bylaws document. You will be asked to review the document and a final vote of acceptance will come from you the members of El Sobrante Fellowship.

However, before the committee can finalize our suggested updates to the fellowship, we have a question about a standing committee identified in our bylaws that was active for many years but is no longer being used. The Steering Committee. It is a committee identified in our current document but based on our research, has not operated within the fellowship for some time. 

Steering Committee references are found in the following sections of the current bylaws:

• Elected Service Positions and Descriptions

• Negligence of Duties as an Elected Trusted Servant

• Steering Committee Meetings – (Contains the purpose and responsibilities)

• Specialized Meetings

• Workshops

• Executive Lease Board

• Quorum

• Bylaws Amendments

The bylaws committee has created a Steering Committee summary from our current bylaws document for your review

NOTE: The handout is a summary and not comprehensive, you will need to review the bylaws document for the complete content of each Steering Committee reference.

The Question

The bylaws committee is asking the fellowship members to review and consider the original purpose of the Steering Committee. We need to know if as a fellowship we want to retain and revive the committee or shall we remove the Steering Committee from the bylaws and continue operating as we have been without their input?

We are not asking for a vote/decision this evening. Please review the handout, and the posted bylaws over the next month. I will ask for time on next month’s Business Meeting for an actual vote that will dictate what direction the committee will move in.

Because the Steering Committee appears in 8 different areas of the current bylaws, if we choose to remove it from the bylaws, we will need to continue additional updates to the suggested bylaws change document before presenting it you the members of El Sobrante Fellowship.

If the decision of the Fellowship is to retain the Steering Committee, we will work with Business Manager on a path going forward to revitalize the committee.

Any questions? Reach out to Dana K.