GREATER DANBURY AREA of NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS THE GROUP POLICY

Transcription

1 GREATER DANBURY AREA of NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS THE GROUP SHARES POLICY Revisions 12/2010

2 TWELVE TRADITIONS OF NA We keep what we have only with vigilance and just as freedom for the individual comes from the Twelve Steps, so freedom for the group springs from our Traditions. As long as the ties that bind us together are stronger than those that would tear us apart all will be well. 1. Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends on NA unity. 2. For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority --a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern. 3. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using. 4. Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or NA as a whole. 5. Each group has but one primary purpose- to carry the message to the addict who still suffers. 6. An NA group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the NA name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property or prestige divert us from our primary purpose. 7. Every NA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions. 8. Narcotics Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers. 9. N.A., as such, ought never be organized, but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve. 10. Narcotics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the NA name ought never be drawn into controversy. 11. Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films. 12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.

3 SERVICE PRAYER: GOD: GRANT US KNOWLEDGE THAT WE MAY WRITE ACCORDING TO YOUR DIVINE PRECEPTS. MAKE US SERVANTS OF YOUR WILL AND GRANT US A BOND OF SELFLESS-NESS, THAT THIS TRULY BE YOUR WORK, NOT OURS- IN ORDER THAT NO ADDICT, ANYWHERE NEED DIE FROM THE HORRORS OF ADDICTION. TWELVE CONCEPTS 1. To fulfill our fellowship s primary purpose, the NA groups have joined together to create a structure which develops, coordinates and maintains services on behalf of NA as a whole. 2. The final responsibility and authority for NA services rests with NA groups. 3. The NA groups delegate to the service structure the authority necessary to fulfill the responsibilities assigned to it. 4. Effective leadership is highly valued in Narcotics Anonymous. Leadership qualities should be carefully considered when selecting trusted servants. 5. For each responsibility assigned to the service structure, a single point of decision and accountability should be clearly defined. 6. Group conscience is the spiritual means by which we invite a loving God to influence our decisions. 7. All members of a service body bear substantial responsibility for that body s decisions and should be allowed to fully participate in its decision- making processes. 8. Our service structure depends on the integrity and effectiveness of our communications. 9. All elements of our service structure have the responsibility to carefully consider all viewpoints in their decision- making processes. 10. Any member of a service body can petition that body for the redress of a personal grievance, without fear of reprisal. 11. NA funds are to be used to further our primary purpose, and must be managed responsibly. 12. In keeping with the spiritual nature of Narcotics Anonymous, our structure should always be one of service, never of government.

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.) Abstentions Activities.4 3.) Alt. R.C.M (alt regional committee member) ) A.S.C. (area service committee) ) Budgets ) C.A.R. (Conference Agenda Report)...2, 3 7.) Chair ) Disciplinary Action ) Donations ) Fiscal Year ) Funds ) Group Starter Kits ) Group Recognitions ) Group Reports ) Hospitals and Institutions (H&I) ) Literature ) Marathons.. 2, 4 18.) Motions 2 19.) Ninety Day Rule ) P.O. Box ) Policy Changes....2, 3 22.) Public Relations ) Quorum ) R.C.M. (regional committee member) ) Sub-Committee Reports ) Schedules.. 1, 6 27.) Secretary , 6 28.) Sub-Committees ) Tie Votes ) Treasurer ) Vice Chair ) Voting....2, 3

5 I.) AREA SERVICE COMMITTEE GENERAL: A. Monthly meetings of the G.D.A.N.A. ASC shall be held on the second Sunday of the month. When the second Sunday is a holiday, the ASC will meet the following Sunday. B. All ASC Trusted Servants, sub-committee chairs, and G.S.R.s shall stay for the entire ASC meeting. (11/2010) C. The ASC shall meet at a predetermined location from 5:00pm to 6:30pm, with an option to extend the meeting to 7:00pm. D. After opening, the meeting shall begin with reports from the Trusted Servants, sub-committees and groups. The agenda will be resumed after a 15 minute open forum. E. During open forum, discussion is open to all addicts in attendance. F. Except as described in this policy, the ASC shall be structured according to our Guide to Local Service (G.T. L.S.). G. ASC meetings, ad hoc, and sub-committee meetings shall be held in a public facility and conducted according to Robert s Rules of Order, unless otherwise stated in our area policy. H. Any group in existence for three months, having a trusted servant, and meeting the criteria suggested in our G.T.L.S. shall be eligible for the services of the ASC. I. The GDANA ASC fiscal year shall run from July 1 st through June 30 th. J. Sub-committee chairs and Area Trusted Servants shall present their budgets at the April meeting. If no budget is presented at the May meeting, the Trusted Servants shall review and adjust the previous year s budget. Disposition shall occur during the June ASC meeting, after voting takes place at home groups. (11/10) K. Requests for ASC funds in excess of $ budgeted or otherwise, shall be brought to the floor for discussion and a vote taken prior to disbursement. L. The ASC shall maintain a checking account requiring at least (2) two signatures to issue checks against the account. M. A donation shall be paid monthly to the meeting facility. (11/10) N. In the absence of a RCM the GDANA ASC shall be responsible for updating the regional schedule of area meetings by submitting timely and accurate data to the RSC. O.The ASC will provide current regional schedules to the area groups. P. No ads shall be placed in the local media without prior approval of the ASC. Q. The ASC will close with the Serenity Prayer. R. Group reports shall be made on group report forms. S. GDANA has adopted the World Service Organization Starter Kit to give to new groups at ASC. (11/10) Page 1

6 T. During the January and February ASC, the ASC will take orders for the CAR (Conference Agenda Report) from any group that requests a copy. An additional copy will be ordered for the ASC archives. U. In case of an emergency, the ASC chair or vice chair shall call an impromptu meeting by contacting all GSRs, Trusted Servants, and sub-committee chairs to inform them of the reason of the meeting, the newly designated time, and the location. V. When there is a functioning Activities Committee, it will be responsible for hosting the Thanksgiving and Christmas marathon meetings. If there is not an Activities Committee, the ASC will be responsible for the Thanksgiving and Christmas marathon meeting(s). II. Motions: A. Only GSRs (GSR Alternates in the absence of the GSRs) may make, second, and vote on any motion presented before the GDANA ASC. B. Sub-committee chairs (vice chairs in their absence) may make and second motions pertaining to their subcommittee only. C. All motions made by GSRs shall be presented on motion sheets. D. Motions brought to the ASC table that are not approved shall be excluded from the ASC for ninety (90) days. E. All sub-committee reports must clearly label all recommendations and motions as approved at their subcommittee meetings. F. All motions made by sub-committees must be submitted on motion sheets and dealt with during the normal course of business. G. Any motion having financial impact on the fellowship shall include an itemized estimate of expenses. H. Motions requesting a change in area policy shall be tabled to groups for thirty (30) days. III. VOTING: A. Voting at the GDANA ASC may be held only in the presence of a quorum of the last ASC meeting. A quorum is defined as one more than half of the GSRs who attended the last ASC. B. Only GSRs, alternate GSRs or temporary representatives elected at the group s business meeting can vote. In the event of a tie, the area chairperson may vote to break the tie. C. All motions at the ASC that result in a tie vote get tabled back to groups. In the event of a second tie, the ASC chair shall break the tie. D. A simple majority vote shall pass a motion, except in matters regarding ASC policy. Page 2

7 E. Area policy changes require that two-thirds of the quorum of the last ASC vote in favor of the motion. Abstentions are considered NO votes. F. Voting to fill area positions shall be limited to yea and nay votes. G. In case of a tie vote for a trusted servant or sub-committee chair, discussion will be reopened and a second vote taken. If a tie results, the area chair will vote to break the tie. H. All C.A.R. votes shall be blocked voted as an area, and the number of addicts counted in case of a tie vote. I. Any area motion that has more abstentions than yes and no votes shall be reopened for discussion and another vote taken. If the result of the second vote is the same, the motion shall be tabled to groups for thirty (30) days. IV. SUB-COMMITTEES: A. GENERAL: 1. Sub-committees should, if they feel it is appropriate, set their own geographical boundaries for their service area. 2. Any changes in the regularly scheduled meeting of an ASC sub-committee must be changed at the previous month s ASC. 3. All sub-committee shall have written policies and or guide- lines. All sub-committees must be consistent with ASC policies. Where sub-committee policies are in conflict with area policies, area policies shall apply. 4. Sub-committee policies must be submitted to the area and tabled to the groups for sixty (60) days and then voted on at the ASC. 5. Sub-committee chairs must present receipts to treasurer for reimbursement which will be in the form of a check. B. SUB-COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON ROLE: 1. Schedule and preside over monthly sub-committee meetings. 2. Submit a written monthly sub-committee report, including all motions, for all GSRs and the Trusted Servants of ASC. 3. Attend or be represented by a member of their sub-committee at ASC meetings and at their respective regularly scheduled RSC (Regional Service Committee). 4. Provide up-to-date fliers to the ASC announcing the meeting time, date, and place of their meeting. 5. Emergency sub-committee meetings may be scheduled by the sub-committee chair by contacting all sub- committee members and attendees from the last subcommittee meeting, informing them of the reason, time, and location of the meeting. 6. Shall stay current with established guidelines of NA, in turn keeping the sub-committee members and policy current and up- to-date. 7. Sub-committee chairs may serve as GSRs and alternate GSRs. C. SUB-COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS SUGGESTED QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Suggested clean time for all sub-committee chairs shall be three (3) years, unless stated otherwise in this policy. 2. Have a working knowledge of the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions. 3. Have at least one year serving on respective sub- committee. 4. Willingness, time, and resources necessary for the position. 5. Ability to provide budgets and other accounting information as required. Page 3

8 D. SUB-COMMITTEE LISTINGS: 1. Public Relations: The Public Relations sub-committee organizes, coordinates, and performs basic functions suggested in NA s Public Relations Handbook, including: a.) Opens, co-ordinates, and maintains the lines of communication between NA and the public. b.) Responds to all requests for information in a timely and effective manner and insures those requests are handled at the proper level of service. c.) Coordinates phoneline volunteers. d.) Reports back to the area and groups on RSC/WSC Public Relations activities. e.) In addition, the Public Relations chair shall be responsible for the area communications devices. (11/2010) 2. Hospitals and Institutions (H & I): The H & I sub-committee organizes, coordinates, and performs the basic functions as stated in the current H & I guide, including: a.) Conducts the day to day functions of the H & I sub-committee. b.) Provides H & I orientations for members in an effort to carry the NA message to hospitals, treatment facilities and institutions. c.) Maintains open lines of communications with facilities in the area. d.) Coordinates panels that serve GDANA facilities. e.) Communicates the status and the needs of the sub-committee to area and groups. 3. Literature The Literature sub-committee organizes, coordinates and performs the basic functions described in our Guide to Local Service (GTLS) including: a.) Maintains a stockpile of literature and up-to-dateschedules to make them available for the immediate needs of the groups. b.) Establishes a specific time and place to fill literature orders. c.) Maintains open lines of communication with the area and groups. d.) Keeps the ASC, groups and members informed regarding new works, updates to conference approved literature, and NA memorabilia. e.) Works with sub-committees to ensure their literature needs are met. f.) Prepares a monthly inventory report for the ASC. 4. Activities The Activities sub-committee establishes a greater sense of community within the area by organizing area activities such as speaker jams, dances, picnics, etc., to serve the needs of all addicts. Additional area income may be generated by hosting these events whereas enhancing NA s primary purpose. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: a.) Distributes NA approved flyers displaying the NA logo announcing upcoming events to the RSC and G.D.A.N.A. GSRs at least TWO (2) months prior to the scheduled activity. These flyers must be brought to the area table for approval by two Trusted Servants prior to disbursement. b.) Fund flows all proceeds from ASC activities to the GDANA ASC. c.) Keeps activities within the principles of the Twelve Traditions and in accordance with the common purpose. d.) Responsible for hosting the Thanksgiving and Christmas marathon meetings. Page 4

9 V. AREA TRUSTED SERVANTS: A. Area Trusted Servants suggested qualifications: 1. At least three years suggested clean time for all positions. 2. Working knowledge of the 12 Steps, the 12 Traditions, and the Twelve Concepts. 3. Completion of at least one commitment in the ASC. 4. Willingness, time, and the resources necessary for the positions. 5. ASC secretary, treasurer, RCM, and alternate RCM maybe GSRs. 6. Trusted servants may not hold sub-committee chair positions, except for the ASC vice chair who shall assume the responsibilities for any vacant sub-committee chair positions. B. ASC CHAIRPERSON: 1. Arrange agenda and presides over the monthly ASC meetings. a.) Makes three calls for discussion (additions, deletions, or modifications) prior to accepting reports. b.) Takes another roll call after break before continuing the meeting. c.) Creates ad hoc committees, as needed. Appoints an ad hoc chair to fulfill the committee s purpose. d.) Forms an ad hoc policy committee in July of even numbered years, (i.e. 2012, 2014) to review, update and make suggestions for policy changes. Recommendations shall be brought before the area tabled for approval by groups. This ad hoc will function for 120 days. 2. Responsible for overseeing all ASC correspondence. 3. May be one of the co-signers on the ASC bank account. 4. Should be familiar with Robert s Rules of Order. 5. Must be capable of conducting a business meeting with a firm yet understanding hand. 6. Ability to resolve differences among individual ASC members. C. ASC VICE CHAIR: 1. Coordinates all ASC sub-committee functions. 2. Attends sub-committee functions whenever possible. 3. Shall perform the duties of the chair, in the chair s absence. 4. May be one of the co-signers of the ASC bank account. 5. Responsible for helping fulfill sub-committee responsibilities in the absence of a subcommittee chair and/or vice chair. D. ASC TREASURER: 1. Receives all contributions from groups and sub-committees, administers the area checking account, and reimburses trusted servants and sub-committee chairs for their budgeted expenses, upon presentation of receipts. 2. Provides a monthly report of contributions and expenditures, as well as an annual report at fiscal year end. 3. Insures bank statement is available at each ASC meeting. 4. Shall be a co-signer of the ASC bank account. 5. Obtains two (2) keys for the P.O. Box. 6. It is suggested the treasurer have an independent source of income. E. ASC SECRETARY: 1. Types and distributes accurate copies of ASC minutes to each GSR, all sub-committee chairs, meeting times, dates and location. 2. Maintains and distributes to all ASC members an up-to- date list of all trusted servants, subcommittee chairpersons, and GSRs with phone numbers and addresses. 3. Provides a copy of policy to all GSRs, sub-committee chairpersons, and any addict requesting it. Page 5

10 4. In years when policy ad hoc committee does not meet (odd numbered years), prepares a policy amendment page reflecting any changes made to policy and distributes to trusted servants, sub- committee chairs, and GSRs. 5. May be one of the co-signers of the ASC bank account. 6. The secretary shall have a budget to cover expenses. 7. Responsible for maintaining all ASC files and archives. F. REGIONAL COMMITTEE MEMBER (RCM): 1. Primary purposes is to serve as liaison between area and the rest of NA. The RCM is to area what the GSR is to the group. 2. Attend all monthly Regional Service Committee (RSC) meetings as a delegate of the area, representing area s conscience at the regional level. 3. Completes a monthly report for area that provides information on upcoming activities, functions, and any important issues discussed at the monthly RSC meeting. 4. Provides a copy of the RSC meeting minutes to the ASC at each monthly meeting for the archives. 5. The RCM may serve on other committees, but not as the chair. 6. An RCM must be able to place principles before personalities. 7. Notifies the RSC of any meeting schedule change in the area. 8. Purchases 50 meeting schedules for each group at each new printing. G. ALTERNATE REGIONAL COMMITTEE MEMBER (ALT.RCM) 1. Two year commitment, parallels position of alternate GSR, first year in training. Second year spent as RCM if part one is followed. If part one is not followed, alternate fulfills one (1) year commitment before becoming RCM. (04/2011) 2. Responsible for attending both the RSC and ASC meetings each month. 3. Performs the duties of the RCM in his/her absence. VI. DISCIPLINARY ACTION: Area trusted servants and sub-committee chairpersons are subject to disciplinary actions under the following conditions: A. Failure to meet the responsibilities and requirements of a trusted servant as stated in our guides. B. Failure to attend two consecutive ASC meetings. C. Disciplinary actions shall be imposed in the form of a motion by a GSR and properly seconded. 1. The motion shall include the nature of the violation. 2. If present, the trusted servant/chairperson shall have the opportunity to respond to the issue at the meeting. 3. Immediately following, a vote shall be taken. 4. The position will go out to the fellowship and the election will take place at the next ASC meeting. * Disciplinary action shall be the first item under old business. (04/2011 form of VI changed.) Page 6

11 Danbury Area Meetings: Monday: Women s Spiritual Journey (Step/Traditions) 6:30-7:30pm 160 Whisconier Rd (corner of Rte 133 & Rte 25) Brookfield, CT 12 Steps to Freedom (Steps) 7:30-9:00pm Community Center for Behavioral Health (El Dorado Building) 152 Lake Ave. Danbury, CT Tuesday Starting Over (Steps/Traditions) 6:15-7:15pm Starting Over (Steps/Disc) 7:30-9:00pm Community of the Cross Church 7 Madison Ave. Danbury, CT Discovery of Recovery (Step/IT/J) 7:30-9:00pm St. John s Parish Hall 7 Whittlesey Ave. New Milford, CT Wednesday Miracles under the Stars (JFT) 7:30-9:00pm Community Center for Behavioral Health (El Dorado Building) 152 Lake Ave. Danbury, CT Thursday You re Never Alone (rotating format) 7:30-9:00pm Community Center for Behavioral Health (El Dorado Building) 152 Lake Ave. Danbury, CT Friday Recovery is Possible (Disc) 7:30-9:00pm Community Center for Behavioral Health (El Dorado Building) 152 Lake Ave. Danbury, CT Saturday The Real Deal (Speaker/topic) 7:30-9:00pm United Methodist Church 5 Clapboard Rd. Danbury, CT Sunday Raising the Point of Freedom (Step Guide) 11:00am- 12:30pm Community Center 18 Great Plain Rd. Danbury, CT Not at the Church (Information Phamplet) 7:30-8:30pm St. John s Church 5 Washington Ave. Sandy Hook, CT

12 Danbury Area Sub-Committee Meetings: Greater Danbury Area Service Meeting Second Sunday of the month 5-6:30pm with option to extend St. John s Church 5 Washington Ave. Sandy Hook, CT Activities Sub-Committee: Third Saturday of the month, following the Real Deal meeting United Methodist Church 5 Clapboard Road Danbury, CT H & I Sub-Committee: Third Monday of the Month, 6 7pm Community of the Cross Church 7 Madison Ave. Danbury, CT Public Relations Sub-Committee: Third Wednesday of the month, following Miracles under the Stars Community Center for Behavioral Health (El Dorado Building) 152 Lake Ave. Danbury, CT meeting Ad Hoc Sub-Committee meetings will be determined by the chair of the committee and will be announced. Literature no sub-committee