These guidelines are designed to help ensure that Kindr meetings remain safe, supportive, and focused on recovery.
Setting Up
Arrive early to set up the meeting space. 10 minutes before the start time is sufficient for Online Meetings.
Ensure all necessary materials (literature, diary, etc.) are available. For online meetings have Readings, Meditations etc set up and ready to go in advance of the meeting. Remember to claim host for the meeting using the Participants tab on Xoom. For the in-person meeting have enough chairs out, ask new members to turn up with you for this purpose. If possible have a greeter with you for your three months as Secretary. They or you greet any person you do not know or a person back after a slip.
Co-Host
It is important to appoint a co-host at each of our online meetings, the Secretary should ask an experienced member of good standing within the Group to assist as co-host. The duties of the co-host are to act as Timekeeper for the meeting, to assist the Secretary with posting readings and offer any necessary technical support throughout the meeting.
Meeting Security
As Kindr online meetings are camera on it is the duty of the Host and Co-Host to determine the identity of any attendees who haven’t got their camera showing and ensure that all attendees comply with the Group Conscience having their camera on. If attendees refuse to engage with putting their camera on or after repeated messages thru the meeting chat it is up to the Secretary and Co-Host to remove them from the meeting.
Meeting Structure
It is really important the meeting is started on the minute and also ends on the minute. Discipline is important for addicts and this is often the place we begin to learn this. Do not wait for people to turn up, start, if the Secretary is not present another take over. Follow the established format for the meeting (opening, readings, sharing time, etc.). Follow the script as approved by the Group Conscience as this will ensure everything necessary is covered. The meeting schedule is available on our website www.kindr.ie
Readings
Ensure that readings are read clearly and at a pace everyone can follow, where possible. If the reader has problems do not interfere. Please only use Readings approved by Kindr 12 Step Fellowship or by the Kindr Group Conscience
Timekeeping
Keep track of time to ensure the maximum number of people get to share. Four minutes is the suggested time. Appoint a time-keeper for both online and in-person meetings. We only share around our addiction, we must not speak about other members, family, etc. If the speaker continues to be off topic or go on beyond the suggested time you can ask him to wrap it up. Unless Speaker is genuinely distressed after some trauma, death or slip they must be asked to stop at 5 minutes. Again if the person is new, etc give him latitude. Politely remind speakers of the time limit, if applicable.
Encouragement of Participation
Encourage newcomers to introduce themselves if comfortable. Foster an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome to share on their addiction.
Confidentiality
Emphasise the importance of anonymity and confidentiality in the group. Remind attendees of the 12th Tradition and that what is shared in the meeting stays in the meeting. If a person disclosed they are not an addict but there to support a man at his first or first few meetings, just say this is an Open Meeting as everyone in the room is not an addict and move on. If a member objects the person will have to leave.
Supportive Environment
Maintain a supportive and respectful environment. Address any disruptive behaviour or conflicts. If there is disruption ask the member, a friend of the person, to leave this meeting but they are welcome at the next meeting here. Two members should accompany a member out and stay with them for the duration of the meeting outside of the room. This may not be possible online but it would be important to check up on people afterwards where possible.
Closing
Pass bag for 7th Tradition, do not count money at the meeting. Conclude the meeting with the closing reading and any announcements. Remind attendees about the next meeting and any relevant events or resources. It is good to remind attendee’s that if they haven’t had a chance to share or they would like to connect more that there will be Fellowship after the meeting (both online and in-person) and that this can be an opportunityto chat and to get to know each other better in less formal setting.
In the online meeting please remember to pass the Host to someone who is able to stay on once the meeting has concluded if the Secretary has to leave straight after. Once the Host leaves the meeting it ends for everyone.
What is Not Allowed or Not Suggested
Cross-Talk:
We do not allow individuals to respond directly to others while sharing, to speak directly to or about another
member or offer a direct opinion on what someone else has shared.
Disrespectful Behaviour:
Disallow any form of disrespect, racism, sexism, homophobia, judgment, or criticism of others’ experiences.
Substance Use:
Prohibit discussion or use of any substances or alcohol before or during the meeting.
Personal Agendas:
Avoid allowing personal opinions or advice to overshadow the purpose of the meeting.
Solicitation:
Do not allow solicitation or promotion of outside organisations or businesses.
Political or Religious Discussions:
Refrain from discussing political or religious topics that may alienate members.
Outside Issues:
Avoid bringing in personal issues unrelated to recovery that may distract from the meeting’s focus.
Failure to Maintain Anonymity:
Do not disclose the identities of members outside the meeting context.