General Service Representative (G.S.R.)
An elected General Service Representative (G.S.R.) carries the voice of his or her A.A. group’s conscience to the A.A. General Service Conference held in New York each April. Through the elected District Committee Member (D.C.M.) and the Western Washington Area 72 Delegate, the G.S.R. will become the two-way link between the group and the world of A.A. as a whole. As such, he or she and fellow G.S.R.s all over the world have become the key to the unity of A.A.
Alternate General Service Representative (Alt G.S.R.)
The alternate is a backup for the G.S.R. If the G.S.R. resigns or is unable to serve for any reason, the alternate steps in.Usually, the alternate is elected at the same time as the G.S.R., by the same procedure. Alternate representative members should be encouraged to assist, participate, and share in the G.S.R.’s responsibilities at district and area meetings. See the General Service Representative job description for available tools and references.
District Committee Member (D.C.M.)
“The District Committee Member is an essential link between the Group’s G.S.R. and the Area’s Delegate to the General Service Committee. As the leader of the District Committee, made up of all G.S.R.s in the District, the D.C.M. is exposed to the Group Conscience of the District. As a member of the Area Committee, he or she is able to pass on this thinking to the Area Delegate and the Area Committee.” – page S30, A.A. Service Manual *
Alternate District Committee Member (Alt D.C.M.)
“The alternate is a backup for the D.C.M. If the D.C.M. resigns or is unable to serve for any reason, the alternate steps in. Usually, the alternate is elected at the same time as the D.C.M., by the same procedure. Alternate committee members should be encouraged to assist, participate, and share in the D.C.M.’s responsibilities at district and area meetings.” – page S32, A.A. Service Manual *
Elected Positions
Chairperson
Assumes a leadership role within the Area by organizing, setting the agenda for, and chairing three Western Washington Area 72 Quarterly business meetings and the Western Washington Area 72 Assembly. Also chairs the meeting for selection of appointed committee positions. Keeps Alternate Chairperson informed. Receives District minutes and corresponds with the Districts regarding their problems and concerns. A further description of duties is outlined in the A.A. Service Manual *.
Alternate Chairperson
Communicates with the Chairperson on information pertinent to the Area. Chairs the D.C.M. sharing and report session atArea Quarterly meetings and the Western Washington Area 72 Assembly. As Host Committee member, acts as liaison between the Western Washington Area 72 Committee and the host committee for the Western Washington Area 72 Assembly. Participates in Host Committee meetings and the planning of the Assembly agenda. Plans the Assembly workshops. Also, coordinates with the Area Chair and facilitates the Assembly G.S.R. sharing session.
Treasurer
Is the guardian of Tradition Seven. Informs the Area of financial matters. Has the ability to project increased costs of the Area, what is possible as far as future spending, and cost comparisons with past spending. Surveys and points out all money-related issues as they arise. Submits quarterly report to the Area Newsletter. Has the use of a full computer system approved by the Area Assembly. The Treasurer coordinates with the Alternate Treasurer.
Alternate Treasurer
Writes all checks approved by the Western Washington Area 72 Assembly. Is responsible for balancing the Area checkbook and bank balance. List check register, expenses and credit lines on a quarterly basis. Coordinates with the Treasurer in encouraging contributions at the group level. Keeps abreast of the financial needs of the Area and the financial problems of the groups. Is available to participate in service functions to discuss our Seventh Tradition, explain our regular contribution plan and to provide information on Area finances. Serves as the Area Finance Chairperson.
Delegate
Provides leadership to the Area by involvement in Area functions to the fullest extent possible, and by keeping an open line of communication between the General Service Office (G.S.O.) and the groups. Distributes conference agenda items to groups for their discussion and input, holds regional Pre-Conferences, then carries our Area’s collective conscience to the General Service Conference in April of each year. Returns from the conference and reports back to the districts.
For a complete listing of Delegate’s duties, please refer to the A.A. Service Manual *, Chapter 6 (revised 1/03).
Alternate Delegate
Receives all correspondence from the General Service Office on the Conference that is sent to the Delegate so he / she can be informed in the event it becomes necessary to assume the Delegate’s duties. Coordinates with the Delegate on Area issues. Is available to chair or work on special projects as needed or requested by the Area.
Appointed Positions
Secretary Job Description
Assists Area Chairperson in preparing agendas and meeting notices of Area meetings and distributes to the committee. Attends Area Quarterly meetings and Assemblies and records the proceedings for the minutes, using notes, audio tapes and written reports. Prints and mails minutes to the D.C.M.s, Area Officers, Committee Chairpersons and others on the mailing list. Provides minutes to the Area Newsletter Editor for inclusion in the Area Newsletter.
Archives Chairperson
The Area Archives Chair participates in the Area Assembly and Area Quarterly Meetings as an Appointed Officer, chairs quarterly Archives Committee meetings, chairs monthly Archives Steering Committee meetings, facilitates Repository site-selection decisions, and produces articles for the WWA72 Newsletter.
Accessibility Committee Chairperson
Uses the guidelines as outlined in the Accessibilities Workbook and in Accessibility for All Alcoholics. Chairs four standing committee quarterlies on the third Saturday of January, April, July, and October of each year as well as attends all Area Business Quarterlies and Assemblies. Provides information to districts about accessibility issues and encourages districts to have an accessibility chair. Participates in the Language Steering committee and facilitates the Remote Communities subcommittee.
Archivist
The Archivist will have archival experience and will manage archives work parties, coordinate archives training efforts, maintain the digital catalog, maintain a consistent filing system, manage our repository, represent the Area at National AA Archives Workshops, and manage collections such as artifacts, paper, audio information, photographs, and videos.
C.P.C. Committee Chairperson
Follows the guidelines as outlined in the Cooperation with the Professional Community (C.P.C.) Workbook from G.S.O. Schedules and chairs four quarterly meetings with the districts to share experience in this service area. Coordinates efforts to provide information to the professional community and to those who have contact with alcoholics through their profession regarding where we are, what we are, what we can do, and what we cannot do. Seeks new ways of carrying the message and sets an example of leadership for the committee members.
Corrections Committee Chairperson
Follows the guidelines as outlined in the Correctional Facilities Workbook from G.S.O. Acts in an advisory capacity to the Corrections’ District Chairpersons and D.C.M.s on corrections work. Schedules and chairs four quarterly meetings with the districts to share information on A.A. meetings in correctional facilities. Helps to structure district corrections committees through training and assistance, particularly to those experiencing new growth. May be available to talk on committee work at G.S.R. meetings.
Grapevine / Literature Committee Chairperson
Follows the guidelines as outlined in the Grapevine Workbook and in the Literature Committee Guidelines marked MG-9from G.S.O. Exists primarily to educate the fellowship about A.A. literature, related service material, and how to obtain it. Maintains a comprehensive literature display consisting of items from A.A.W.S., G.S.O., A.A. Grapevine, Inc., and other A.A. materials. Is available to take this display to various service workshops, quarterlies and the Area Assembly. Sells literature on an individual basis so as not to be in competition with any group, District or Intergroup. Assets described as display items, literature inventory and cash on hand shall not exceed $5,000. Gives informed talk on A.A. literature when asked, encourages groups to have Grapevine Representatives (G.V.R.) and stresses the Grapevine as a valuable tool for groups and individual members. Holds four Area wide Grapevine and Literature quarterly meetings per year. (98.3)(Revised to reflect 01.5)
Language Chair
Promotes and encourages unity across language communities. Participates in the Area Assembly and Area Quarterly Meetings as an appointed officer. Participates and cooperates with the Area Accessibility Committee. Coordinates and facilitates the Language Steering Committee (LSC). Reviews Spanish and ASL interpreter requests. Schedules or ensures that Spanish and ASL interpreters are scheduled for approved Area meetings. Ensures the LSC maintains a calendar of ASL-interpreted meetings in the Area. Coordinates Spanish translation Area business meeting minutes, specific Area Committee meeting minutes, related agendas, Area fliers and other important documents. Collaborates with the Area Newsletter Chair and Area Secretary to manage the translation of specific Area newsletters. Works with the Area Alternative Treasurer to adhere to the LSC budget for translation and interpretation costs. May serve as a point of contact for language resources for languages other than Spanish and ASL.
Newsletter Editor
Publishes, on a monthly basis, a newsletter which serves as our principal communication tool within the Area. May appoint a working committee to assist in the format and content of the newsletter. Receives, formats and edits articles submitted by the Area trusted and elected servants, DCMs and individual AA members. Uses Word to create the newsletter and Adobe to send it to the publisher. Works closely with the Area Registrar who maintains the mailing address master list for the newsletter to ensure the master list is kept up to date. Works with Language Chair to create, publish and distribute Spanish editions of the newsletter.
P.I. Committee Chairperson
Studies and follows the A.A. Guidelines for Public Information (P.I.), the P.I. Workbook and all A.A. literature pertinent to public information work. Attends and co-presides with the Host District P.I. Chairperson at four quarterly meetings per year, rotating between districts. Encourages districts to have a P.I. Chair and for groups to appoint/elect a P.I. representative. Also encourages P.I. Workshops, individually or in conjunction with each other. Maintains a list of P.I. Chairpersons, addresses and phone numbers for communication and receipt of minutes.
Registrar
The registrar position is to help facilitate communication between groups, Area Committee and the General Service Office by maintaining an accurate roster of all G.S.R.s and Area Committee members. The Western Washington Area 72 database will be compatible with the program from G.S.O. Recognizing the confidential nature of this information, all requests for the full list and/or labels should go through the Area Delegate. The following functions have been identified. To provide:
Sound Equipment Operator
Stores Area Sound Equipment and works with Alternate Chairperson to coordinate with Quarterly and Assembly Host Committees the use of this equipment. Sets and packs up equipment before and after each Area meeting it is used for and operates equipment during the meeting.
Treatment Facilities Committee Chairperson
Uses the guidelines as outlined in the Treatment Facilities workbook from G.S.O. Schedules and chairs four quarterly meetings with district chairpersons in the Area, rotating location between districts. Maintains an up-dated list of district chairpersons for communication purposes. Also encourages participation in “Bridging the Gap” program and keeps a list of temporary contacts for individuals preparing to leave treatment facilities. Coordinates Grapevine subscriptions to the districts for treatment facilities.
Web Committee Chairperson
Chairs the Area Web Standing Committee. Follows the A.A. Guidelines for the Internet and all A.A. literature pertinent to our online presence. Chairs four standing committee quarterly meetings per year. Encourages Web and Internet related Workshops, individually or in conjunction with other committees. Maintains a list of District Webservants, District Websites, and associated email contacts for communication. Reports online anonymity breaks that may occur to the Area Delegate and Area P.I. Chair and encourages District Webservants to do the same.
Webservant
Serves on the Area Website Steering Committee. Is responsible for the input of content, maintenance, and security of the Website. This position includes funding for communications and expenses incurred to attend Area Quarterly meetings and the Area Assembly.
Young Person’s Chairperson
Chair of young person committee, specifically dedicated to reaching out to the young people’s AA community and engaging in general service activities that carry the message of service and recovery to the young people’s community.
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