Statement of Purpose

The Area Service Committee (ASC) has but one purpose: to assist the Groups in carrying the N.A. message of recovery in whatever ways possible. Toward this end, this is our pledge: That no addict seeking recovery need die without having had the chance to find a better way of life, from this day forward may we provide the necessary services.

ASC History

Our ASC first met on June 20, 1993, where we named our Area the "Only One Promise Area Service Committee. At this time, there were six member groups and five of these were represented at the first ASC. We registered our ASC with the World Services Office on July 6, 1993.

ASC Structure

It is the ASC that performs much of the "hands on work." The ASC utilizes a subcommittee system to more efficiently serve its member Groups and local community. These subcommittees are responsible to the ASC just as the ASC is directly responsible to its member groups. The Area subcommittees are:                   

• Literature

• Public Information

• Hospitals and Institutions

• Unity (Events)

• Phoneline

• Ad Hoc (for example, New Literature Review)

• Participating Groups Any Groups that meets regularly and follows the 12 steps and 12 traditions of Narcotics Anonymous can become a voting member of this ASC upon attending two (2) consecutive ASC meetings or with a 2/3's vote of approval of the GSR's (Group Service Representatives) in attendance when the request to join is made.

Area Service Meetings

Our Area Service Committee meets every month on Sunday of the third full weekend (Saturday and Sunday). This schedule allows for months when the Region meets on the third Sunday. The meeting site shall be wheel chair accessible and the meeting is designated as a no smoking meeting.

Area Meeting Schedule

The ASC will meet at 1:30 PM on the designated Sunday. Subcommittee chairs or, if the position is vacant, ASC Vice-Chair will be expected to bring the time and place of the next subcommittee meeting to each ASC.

ASC Mailing Address/Phone Number

O.O.P.S.C.N.A.   P.O. Box 3214, Decatur, IL 62524-3214 1-800-539-0475 Email: info@oopsna.org

Emergency Meetings

A special meeting of the ASC may be called when an emergency develops that needs expeditious action. This must first be approved by a majority of the voting GSR's.

Emergency Conscience

In extreme circumstances, a phone conscience of the GSR's with voting privileges may be taken by the chairperson. A roll call vote will be taken at the next ASC to confirm the outcome of the emergency conscience.

ASC Attendance

1. Our ASC meetings are open to any N.A. member

2. If any ASC officer or subcommittee chairperson misses two (2) consecutive ASC meetings without notification of just cause, it shall be considered an automatic resignation.

3. Any Group that misses two (2) consecutive ASC business discussions will be removed as a voting member (effective the 2nd month) until such time as they attend two consecutive ASC's in their entirety.

4. The chairperson will contact any ASC officer, subcommittee chair, or GSR that has missed two consecutive meetings to inform them of the ASC action taken.

Financial Policies

1. ASC expenditures will not exceed ASC funds.

2. ASC Treasurer will refrain from making cash reimbursements.

3. ASC checking account signature card shall contain 3 signatures; the treasurer and 2 others recommended by the treasurer and validated by the ASC. Checks will require 2 of the 3 signatures.

4. The ASC treasurer may provide the ASC delegate with $15.00 delegate travel reserve at the ASC meeting preceding the RSC (Regional Service Committee) with the understanding that any money not used will be returned along with receipts for any money spent. Intent: To help insure our area is represented at the regular RSC Meetings regardless of delegates "means."

ASC Budget

The purpose of an ASC budget is to allocate fellowship money to the service bodies we have created so that they may effectively perform the duties we have mandated to them. In allocating this money it always important to keep in mind the principles contained in the 7th Tradition and the 11th Concept.

Each of the service elements listed below is responsible for the prudent management of the funds allocated to it. Toward this end, each service body must account fully and accurately each month to the ASC. Receipts for any money spent must be submitted to the ASC Treasurer for reimbursement.

ASC Budget Listed in Order of Filling Priority

• ASC Reserve                                            $75.00

• Phoneline                                                   $75.00

• Literature                                                    $75.00

• Public Information                                      $40.00

• Hospitals & Institutions                              $50.00

• Secretary's Expense                                 $15.00

• Delegate Travel                                         $15.00

• Unity                                                            $400.00

• Total                                                             $745.00

Intent

ASC Reserve- Pay rent for ASC meeting/subcommittee meetings and any Ad-Hoc expenses. Will act as a prudent or "emergency" back-up money that any subcommittee or member group may draw upon obtaining ASC approval.

Phoneline- Pay monthly bills for our phoneline service.

Literature- Provide literature for all groups and subcommittees except H&I. Responsible for stocking all Literature racks except the Heritage Behavioral Recovery Center (H&I) and providing subcommittees other than H&I with I.P.'s as needed. Also responsible for ASC meeting schedule.

Public Information- Postage for P.I. Packets and any other P.I./Phoneline correspondence including flyers.

Hospitals & Institutions- Postage for H&I correspondence and literature, including I.P.'s at the Heritage Behavioral Recovery Center.

Secretary's Expenses- Copies of minutes and postage for any correspondence mandated by the ASC.

Delegate Travel- A reserve designed to help with expenses incurred attending RSC meeting (travel only).

Unity Expenses- All expenses involved with putting on a function.

Reimbursements

1. A receipt must be submitted for all reimbursements

2. If the ASC treasurer believes that a request for reimbursement is not prudent or customary, the treasurer should as for ASC approval by a majority of voting members before issuing a check.

Quorum

To spend ASC money other than regular expenses (Phoneline, rent, literature, etc.) a quorum of 51% of voting members is required.

ASC Meeting Format

1. The ASC opens with a moment of silence and the Serenity Prayer

2. The 12 Traditions and 12 Concepts are read.

3. Roll Call Officers, Subcommittee Chairs, GSR's

4. Description of Procedures

   • Any member attending may make and/or second motions

   • Only GSR's may vote on motions

   • Any member attending may vote in elections

   • Any member may be recognized for discussion and input into the Group Conscience

   • Anyone wishing to address the Committee will please raise their hand and they will be given the floor by the Chairperson in the order seen. If somebody has not had the opportunity to share "firsts", they will be given the floor before any seconds are recognized

   • Motions are to be made during Old and New Business only (except motion to accept, etc.)

5. Reports (The Chairperson will ask that all comments be held until each report has been given in its entirety.)

   • General Officer's Reports

   • Standing Committee Reports

   • Special Ad Hoc Reports (if applicable)

   • Group Reports

6. Sharing Session- Concerns of Groups or participants and discussion of issues raised in reports.

7. Old Business- Motions are in order regarding business left over from previous meetings including elections to fill vacancies.

8. New Business- Motions are in order regarding business that is new to this ASC.

9. Input to agenda for next meeting

10. 7th Tradition/announcements.

11. Motion to close, Close with 12th Tradition.

Main Motions

• Only the acting ASC Chairperson may entertain a motion

• Anyone attending ASC may make a motion

• Anyone attending ASC may second motions

• All main motions should be submitted in writing, with intent, to the ASC Secretary

• Procedural motions (motions to accept, etc) do not need to be in writing

Motion to Postpone for Group Conscience

• Only GSR's or their alternates may make a motion to postpone a motion for a Group Conscience.

• A second is required

• If it carries by a simple majority, the motion goes back to the Groups.

• If motion to postpone is defeated, the motion is brought back to the floor to be voted on.

Discussion

Any NA member at the ASC may bring issues to the floor and enter discussion. In an effort to give every member an opportunity to address an issue the Chairperson will recognize no "seconds" (or 3rd's, 4th's, etc.) until everyone has had the opportunity for firsts.

Voting

1. Only Groups with voting privileges may vote at ASC meetings.

2. Any Group that misses two consecutive ASC business sections (Old & New Business) will be removed as a voting member (effective second month) until such time as they attend two consecutive ASC's in their entirety. Group will be informed of such action by the ASC Chairperson.

3. The ASC Chairperson may break a tie vote on ASC issues.

4. The ASC Chairperson may, at his/her discretion, send tie votes back to the Groups.

5. The ASC Chairperson may not break a tie vote on Group conscience (motion to postpone for a group conscience). In the case of a tie the motion will go back to the Groups for further discussion.

6. A quorum is needed only to make decisions regarding spending ASC money other than regular expenses (rent, literature, phone bill, etc).

7. A quorum is a majority of the recognized (voting) members of this ASC.

8. A majority vote is one more than half present and voting

9. Anyone attending the ASC may vote in elections.

ASC Minutes

1. To disseminate information in a timely manner, the ASC minutes shall be available to GSR's and ASC officers within two (2) weeks of the ASC Meeting. The ASC minutes should be typed, printed, or legibly written.

2. The ASC Minutes include:

   • Roll Call

   • Secretary's Report

   • Treasurer's Report

   • AD Report

   • ADA Report

   • Hospitals & Institutions Committee Report

   • Public Information Committee Report

   • Literature Committee Report

   • Unity Committee Report

   • Ad-Hoc Committee Report

   • GSR's Reports

   • Sharing Session Synopsis

   • Old Business (Motions and Results)

   • New Business (Motions and Results)

   • Agenda for next ASC

   • 7th Tradition collected at ASC

   • Announcements

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Written Reports

A report is given by each of the ASC officers, each subcommittee and ad-hoc committee, and each member group. All reports should be submitted to the ASC Secretary typed, printed or legibly written.

Nominations / Elections

Nominations will be opened each year in April, for elections in May. At the April ASC written descriptions of requirements and responsibilities for each position will be available. Regular elections for all trusted servants are held at the May ASC during "Old Business." Elected positions are in effect at the close of the session.

Requirements For Nomination

• The individual must be an N.A. member

• They must either be present to accept the nomination or have a written letter to the ASC stating the position(s) desired and their qualifications.

• Any member present at the elections may make nominations

• Any member present may vote in elections

• All nominees must have a willingness to serve and are required to make every effort to attend all ASC Meetings

• If not nominated to serve, an individual may volunteer to serve

ASC Election Process

A motion to open elections must be made, seconded and passed. The ASC Chairperson will state the position to be filled. The ASC Secretary will read the requirements and responsibilities for each position.

1. Nominations

   • The Chairperson will ask for nominations to the position, and then for volunteers

   • The Secretary will record the order in which they were nominated or volunteered. The list will be forwarded to the Chairperson

   • A motion to close nominations to each position must be made, seconded and passed.

2. Qualifying the Nominees

   • The Chair person will:

     • Call on each nominee to state their qualifications

     • Recognize members who wish to question nominees

     • Ask for all nominees to leave the meeting

     • Call for a "Moment of Silence" to reflect on our primary purpose

3. Voting

   • Any member attending the ASC may vote

   • Vote will be by a show of hands

   • A written ballot may be taken if requested by any participant.

   • If the vote is for Chair or Vice-Chair, the AD will chair the proceedings.

   • If the vote is tied, a moment of silence will be called and another vote taken

   • If a second vote is tied, the Chairperson will cast the deciding vote.

   • The Chairperson will remind the ASC that in keeping with our traditions, anonymity will be maintained regarding all comments and votes. The Chairperson will call the nominees back into the ASC and thank them for their willingness to serve. The Chairperson will congratulate the member who was elected.

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ASC Officers 

All positions are a one year term. The ADA is a one year term after which they automatically become AD for one year.

• Chairperson

  Requirements

  1. Willingness and desire to serve the position

  2. Time and Resources necessary to fulfill the position

  3. Must have previous service experience

  4. Capable of conducting the ASC with a firm yet understanding hand

  5. General Knowledge of ASC policies and procedures, parliamentary procedure, and familiarity with the NA service structure

  6. Understanding and practical experience of the 12 Steps, 12 Concepts and 12 Traditions of NA

Responsibilities

1. Arranges agenda for all ASC meetings

2. Opens the Committee

3. Recognizes members

4. Receives motions, May recess the conference

5. May declare a comment or motion out of order

6. May limit discussion

7. Recognizes all motions

8. Recognizes all comments

9. Adheres to common parliamentary procedure

10. Must make every effort to attend all ASC Meetings and submit a written report.

The responsibility of maintaining our spirit of unity through the 12 Concepts and 12 Traditions of our fellowship is shared by NA members at the Committee meeting. The chairperson of our Committee has the added responsibility of ensuring that our Area Guidelines are followed during the meeting. Once the meeting is underway, only one matter will be before the committee at any one time and no other discussions in order. Please respect the chairperson's right to be in control of the process of this meeting so that you can have the maximum benefit of its content.

In order to free the chairperson to concentrate on these responsibilities, the chairperson does not participate in the motions or the discussions on the floor. If the chairperson feels a burning desire to address any issue he/she must step down from the chair, turning it over to the vice chairperson or AD. When the Chairperson has stepped down to comment on an issue on the floor or voice an opinion on a motion, they cannot take back the chair until the issue is completed.

If the chairperson feels direction is needed, he/she may entertain a motion.

Any time the Chairperson makes a decision, that decision may be appealed by any voting member. If the appeal is seconded, the chair asks, "On what grounds do you appeal my decision?" The member states the reason. The Chairperson then speaks briefly to the intent of the ruling being appealed. The body may then debate the ruling and the merits of the appeal. A vote is taken, requiring a simple majority to overrule the decision of the Chairperson.

• Vice-Chairperson

Requirements

1. Willingness and desire to serve the position

2. Time and resources necessary to fulfill the position

3. Understanding and practical experience with the 12 Steps, 12 Concepts and 12 Tradition of Narcotics Anonymous

Responsibilities

1. Makes every effort to attend every ASC Meeting and submits a written report to the ASC Secretary

2. Performs the duties of the ASC Chairperson if the ASC Chairperson is absent

3. Performs the duties of any absent ASC Subcommittee Chairperson

4. Supports any committee that requests it

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• Secretary

Requirements

1. Willingness and desire to serve the position

2. Time and resources necessary to fulfill the position

3. Previous service experience

4. A general knowledge of meeting format

5. Understanding and practical experience with the 12 Steps, 12 Concepts and 12 Tradition of Narcotics Anonymous

Responsibilities

1. Types and distributes minutes within two weeks after the ASC to all GSR's, all Area Officers, all ASC Subcommittee Chairs.

2. Creates and maintains a list of ongoing and/or active policy motions.

3. Maintains updated phone/mailing list of all ASC Officers, Subcommittee Chairs and GSR's.

4. Maintains Area's files and archives, including service guides that subcommittees have requested for their own use.

5. Makes every effort to attend all ASC Meetings.

Notes to the ASC Secretary:

Unless members choose to use their full names in their reports, the minutes should refer to individuals by their first name and first initial of their last name. The ASC Secretary may correct spelling, punctuation, grammatical errors in all reports, including the ASC minutes without an Area Conscience.

The ASC Secretary must record motions in the minutes as they were presented to the ASC. Whenever a motion appears in the minutes the complete motion and intent, if intent is not clear within the motion, it needs to be recorded. Maker and second should not be included.

• Treasurer

Requirements

1. Willingness and desire to serve

2. Time and resources necessary to serve the position.

3. Previous service experience.

4. Ability to follow set procedures in recording ASC monetary transactions.

5. Understanding and practical experience with the 12 Steps, 12 Concepts and 12 Tradition of Narcotics Anonymous.

Responsibilities

1. Makes every effort to attend every ASC meeting.

2. Provide every GSR, ASC Officer, ASC Subcommittee Chair and the Greater Illinois Region a written Treasurer's report. This report will include all income and money spent every month and the current balance of the ASC checking account.

3. Makes the financial records of the ASC available for review to any NA member that requests them.

4. Ensures that all deposits are made within seven (7) days of the ASC.

5. Is one of the co-signers of the ASC checking account.

6. Recommends, for ASC approval, the other two co-signers of the ASC checking account.

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• Area Delegate (AD)

Requirements

1. Willingness and desire to serve the position.

2. Time and resources necessary to fulfill the position.

3. Previous service experience.

4. Understanding and practical experience with the 12 Steps, 12 Concepts and 12 Traditions of Narcotics Anonymous.

Responsibilities

1. Carry the conscience of the ASC to the RSC and bring the conscience of the RSC back to the ASC.

2. To attend and report to the ASC all ongoing activities of the RSC and submit a written report to the ASC Secretary.

3. Will Chair the ASC if both the Chair and Vice-Chair are absent.

4. Coordinates and chairs the annual CAR Review for the local NA community.

5. Submits to every RSC meeting:

   • A written ASC Report

   • A list of our Area's GSR's and ASC trusted servants

   • A complete, up to date Area meeting schedule

   • An ASC calendar of events

   • A complete, up to date list of our 12th step Phoneline Volunteers

Note to AD: This position requires travel throughout central Illinois to attend the Regional Service Conference. There is a $15.00 reserve in the ASC Budget to help with transportation expenses should you care to draw from it. It is requested that members carpool to the RSC to enable the largest number of servants to benefit from this reserve.

• Area Delegate Alternate

Requirements

1. Willingness and desire to serve the position.

2. Time and resources necessary to fulfill the position.

3. Previous service experience.

4. Understanding and practical experience with the 12 Steps, 12 Concepts and 12 Traditions of Narcotics Anonymous.

5. Capable of fulfilling the AD's duties when necessary.

Responsibilities:

1. Makes every effort to attend every RSC meeting

2. Learns all aspects of AD's duties.

3. In the absence of the AD, carries the conscience of the ASC to the RSC.

4. Assists the AD in preparing and submitting a written report to the ASC every month.

5. Assists the AD in preparing the annual CAR review.

6. Becomes the AD after completion of their term.

Note: The AD and ADA serve as a team, sharing the many responsibilities. Each has a two year commitment, the first year spent as an alternate and the second as the Area Delegate. They are the communication link between the ASC and the RSC (and thus, the remainder of Narcotics Anonymous as a whole). In order to accomplish this, the AD and Alternate must become informed of the issues from the Area, Region and the World levels of Narcotics Anonymous service. Therefore, it is essential for both the AD and the ADA to make every effort to attend all meetings of the ASC and the RSC.

• Subcommittee Chairs

Requirements:

1. Willingness and desire to serve the position.

2. Time and resources necessary to fulfill the position.

3. Previous service experience.

4. Understanding and practical experience with the 12 Steps, 12 Concepts and 12 Traditions of Narcotics Anonymous.

5. Ability to organize and give the committee direction and incentive.

Responsibilities:

1. Prepares agenda and presides over subcommittee meetings.

2. Attends and reports to the ASC and submits a written report to the ASC Secretary.

3. Attends as many Learning Days and workshops as possible.

4. Responsible for archives pertinent to the subcommittee.

5. Initiates all necessary correspondence.

6. Assures accountability of funds.

7. Carries the conscience of the subcommittee to the ASC and brings the conscience of the ASC to the subcommittee.

8. Attends Regional Committee Meetings whenever possible.

9. Assures Traditions are upheld in all endeavors.

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Group Service Representatives

Our ASC is not involved in the elections of GSR's or GSRA's, or creating requirements to serve in these capacities. This is the responsibility of the Groups. However, because of the importance of our GSR's, we are providing some shared experience.

GSR's form the foundation of our service structure. If we are vigilant in choosing stable, qualified leaders at this level of service, the remainder of the structure will almost certainly be sound. From this strong foundation, a service structure can be built that will nourish, inform and support the groups in the same way that the Groups nourish and support the structure.

Group Service Representatives bear great responsibilities. While GSR's are elected by and accountable to the Groups, they are not mere messengers. They are selected by their Groups to serve as active members of the Area Service Committee. As such, they are responsible to act in the best interests of Narcotics Anonymous as a whole, not solely as advocates of their Group's priorities.

At Area Committee Meetings, GSR reports provide perspectives on Group growth vital to the committee's work. If a Groups is having problems, its GSR can share those problems with the Committee in his/her reports. And if the Group hasn't found solutions to those problems, the Area Chairperson will open a slot on the Committee's sharing session agenda so that the GSR can gather experience others have had in similar situations. If any helpful solutions can arise from the sharing session, the GSR can report those back to their Group.

Resignation / Removal of Trusted Servants

1. Relapse will result in immediate forfeiture of position

2. Failure to notify ASC of absences (two consecutive absences are considered automatic resignation).

3. Failure to carry out the duties or requirements of the position may result in removal.

4. Misappropriation of funds will result in immediate removal (and possible legal proceedings).

5. Resignations will be accepted only in person or in writing from the individual indicated.

OOPS Area of Narcotics Anonymous

Copyright 2002 [Narcotics Anonymous] All Rights Reserved