Minutes for 09 Nov 2025
OIAA Board Meeting
Minutes Approved
November 9, 2025 2:01 pm – 4:09 (Eastern)
2:00 PM EDT
Zoom: 840 0946 3911 | Password: Board
Board members present: Gwen M (Interim Chair), Sharon G (Interim Vice Chair), Mark M (Tech Chair), Felix E (Acting Treasurer), Lesliee A (Interim Secretary), Mary M (Interim Trustee at Large), 5 voting members
Board members absent: International Trustee (Seat Open)
Visitors: Joe M. (Prospective Treasurer), Beth D (PAC Chair), Jan BB (Former PAC Chair)
Quorum was met (4 of 6 Chair does not vote) Yes
The Secretary opened the meeting with a moment of silence and the “we” version of the Serenity Prayer.
The Chair asked the Secretary to review the minutes.
The Secretary reported that the Minutes from August and September (25) had not been approved. The Chair moved that since Quorum was not met for those meetings that perhaps the Chair and Tech Chair being the only members at those meetings could approve them outside of the Board meeting; Sharon 2nd. Unan yes.
The Secretary then shared the October Minutes. The Tech Chair moved to table those Minutes; Sharon 2nd. Unan yes.
The Chair introduced Sharon G. (Into Action), incoming Vice Chair.
Reports
Officer Reports
Mark M: Tech Chair reported that the translation process for the website is complete. There are a few bugs. He encouraged Board members to check it out. Mark checked in with the Unity committee. It looks like they are ready for the OIAA Conference next weekend. He asked if OIAA had anything like a reimbursement or expense form. Felix replied that he would create one. Mark will be processing NAATW attendance expenses this week.
The Tech chair reminded the Board that with the new translation ability that language posted on the website needs to be short, clear and simple. He also requested that a Communication plan be put in place that organizes the information from the Board and all standing committees that needs to be posted.
The Tech Chair pointed out that there is a new “terms of service” statement on the landing page of the website. It is very thorough.
Felix E Acting Treasurer: Felix introduced Joe M who introduced himself as a member of the OIAA Finance committee. He reported that he has put in his service resume for the position of Treasurer. He will stand in December. Felix reviewed the Budget variance and the current budget. Please see the posted Treasurer’s report on the OIAA website.
The vice Chair asked Felix if there were any form of reply that would allow meetings to know that their contribution had been received. Felix replied, nothing automated.
Secretary report: Skimming the minutes to find the actions that were not completed, if there are any. The secretary needs access to all of the board and exec sessions from the beginning of OIAA.
The secretary also suggested that part of the secretary position job description be to serve as Parliamentarian since that job is responsible for legal documents that must follow Robert’s Rules or Order (AA version). She will send cost info to Felix for certification with the American Parliamentarian Assoc.
The secretary thanked the Tech Chair for allowing her to attend NAATW online.
The Chair and Tech Chair shared that they were not certain what the previous secretary and her Upwork assistant had done with the files and that Sam H would be engaged to help them and the secretary to understand that work and get access to necessary files.
Trustee at Large report: Mary thanked Mark and the Tech team for getting her access to emails and files. She attended the CBC and was pleased with all the ideas being exchanged. She is still feeling her way into the job and is happy to help. She will stand for a full term in this position in December.
Old Business
Felix reviewed the 2026 proposed budget. Mark moved to accept the 2026 proposed budget; Mary 2nd. 4 yes votes 1 no vote.
Lesliee presented a minority opinion. Her no vote was based on the exclusion of attendance at the Intergroup Central Office national conference.
Mary requested that Mark amend his motion. After discussion between Mark and Felix Mark amended his motion to read Accept the 2026 proposed budget with a reduction in the bookkeeping expense by $5,000, to be moved to the IGCO conference expense. Mary 2nd; Unan yes.
The Chair stated her intention to have the notice about the 2026 proposed budget being posted on the website sent out to membership by or on 11/20/15.
OIAA Int’l convention Nov 14-16, 2025 – no discussion motions or votes.
Annual Membership Assembly Dec 20, 2025 – no discussion motions or votes.
New Business
After a very short discussion Mark moved that PAC be allowed to reinstate language to their Guidelines that a previous Board had deleted. Lesliee 2nd. Unan yes.
The chair announced that an official apology will be forthcoming to a committee chair for actions taken by the board which were hurtful and interrupted the committee’s ability to serve OIAA’s membership.
The Tech Chair pointed out that there is a new “terms of service” statement on the landing page of the website. It is very thorough.
The chair suggested that a one pager of Robert’s rules be prepared for onboarding Board members.
The Chair reminded the Board that the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws need to be updated and the Whistleblower/Open Door policy need to be reviewed.
Discussion of the Parliamentarian training and position continued. Lesliee Moved that the Board proceed with process toward a certified Parliamentarian; Sharon 2nd. Unan. Yes.
Adjournment
The Chair announced that the next scheduled Board meeting is December 14, 2026 2pm (Eastern) but asked if members would agree to meet in two weeks for an interim meeting. No vote was taken. An interim Board meeting will be held on November 23, 2026 2pm (Eastern).
Meeting closed with the Responsibility statement.
Respectfully Submitted by
Lesliee A
OIAA Board Secretary
Presented 25-11-23
