(Revised 11/04/2006)
1. Nominations for Area Service
Committee Officers should be solicited from the active GSRs.
2. ASC Officers do not represent any HomeGroup and have no vote at ASC.
3. GSRs are the only regular voting members of the ASC. Alternate GSRs may vote in the GSR’s absence, and are then counted in the Quorum. The Chair may only vote to break a tie.
4. All ASC Meetings are open to any Member of NA.
5. Only those Members listed
below can make or second motions:
v GSR, or the Alternate GSR in the GSR’s absence
v RCM, or the Alternate RCM in the RCM’s absence
v Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Sub-Committee Chairs or their Alternates in the Sub-Committee Chair’s absence.
6. Only those listed above have an automatic voice on the floor. Others may speak at the discretion of the Chairperson. To be recognized on the ASC Floor, a raised hand is always mandatory.
7. Quorum consists of one more than half of the regular voting Members, and is required to hold an ASC Meeting. Quorum is also required on all motions. A new Group becomes a "Regular Voting Member at the 2nd ASC which it's GSR attends. A Group that misses two consecutive ASC will be removed from the Quorum count. Removing a Group from the meeting list requires a 2/3 majority vote.
8. All motions should be submitted in writing whenever possible. Motions dealing with an issue already on the Floor will be recognized by the Chair and require a verbal second. Following is the procedural sequence pertaining to motions:
v The maker of the motion speaks to it’s intent
v Upon hearing the intent the Floor will be open for discussion consisting of two pros and two cons only.
v A simple majority is required to pass a motion, except that motions that change policy require a 2/3 majority. Abstentions are counted with the majority of voting members.
v A Motion to Amend may be necessary and may be made only by the maker of the original motion
v A Motion to Table may be entertained after hearing the pros and cons.
v Motions and issues falling under the responsibility of an existing Subcommittee will be Tabled to that Subcommittee
v All Tabled motions automatically become part of next months ASC Old Business.
v The Treasurer must second any motions pertaining to money.
9. Removal of Officers shall be dealt with as follows:
v Voluntary: Given in writing to ASC Chair prior to next ASC meeting
v Involuntary:
o Two consecutive meetings missed without reasonable explanation (reasonability to be determined by the ASC Body) or prior notice given to any Administrative Committee Member.
o Relapse during term.
v Impeachment (needed in case of Concept violation or failure to perform duties or responsibilities):
o Notice of intent to pursue an Impeachment must be provided 7 days prior to next ASC by Chairperson.
o Motion must be prevented at ASC, along with due cause (intent).
o Respondent (person being Impeached) is given time to respond.
o An Open ballot is taken and 2/3 majority is required for successful Impeachment.
10. GSRs will give their Group’s donation to the Treasurer at each ASC.
11. All new Groups need to register with the Public Information Subcommittee in order to be included in the meeting list and the Helpline. When giving their Group’s written report to the Secretary the new GSR is responsible for getting the Groups name and address included in the mailing list. New Groups will be given a copy of the ASC Policy & Guidelines. A New Group Starter Kit is automatically available from the Literature Subcommittee and consists of $50 worth of literature to be selected by the New Group and will include a Guide to Local Service.
12. All Members of the ASC are responsible for acquainting themselves with the Area Service Policy & Guidelines, and the Parliamentary Procedure followed by the ASC.
13. GSR Reports should be neatly written or typed so the Secretary can have accurate notes and should consist of the following:
v Day, Time and Place of Meeting;
v Average Monthly Attendance at Meetings;
v Situations, Problems or Changes
v Number of HomeGroup Members
v Amount of Literature Order
v Amount of 7th Tradition Donation
v Group Conscience Decisions
14. Subcommittee reports should be neatly written or typed so the Secretary can have accurate notes and should consist of the following:
v Day, Time and Place of Meeting
v Number attending
v Committee Activities, Accomplishments, and Specific Problems or Situations
v Plans for the upcoming month
v Meeting Minutes
v Motions for Group Conscience
v List of Income and Expense
15. Each Subcommittee should submit a list of Goals and a Budget each year in August
16. Subcommittees will be allowed to meet at what ever time they choose. Meaning their meeting times might well conflict with regularly scheduled NA meetings
17. In the event that any two co-signers on the ASC checking account resides in the same household,
only one will be permitted to continue as a co-signer and a different Member of the Administrative Committee will replace the other.
18. Budgets for Subcommittees will be submitted, reviewed and voted on by the ASC annually. The Subcommittee Budgets as of June 2006 are as follows:
v Activities $200 (to be replenished)
v Helpline $150 monthly
v H&I $200 monthly in literature
v PI $50 monthly
v Website $150 as needed
v RCM $85 every other month
v TCCNA $4,000 seed money (taken from proceeds of prior Convention)
1. Nominations for ASC Committee Officers should be solicited from the active GSRs.
2. An explanation of the Office is read from the “Area Service Guidelines” to establish each position’s responsibilities.
3. The position is announced and nominations are taken.
4. Each nomination must be seconded.
5. In case of only one nomination, a vote of acclimation is taken. If the vote does not result in a 2/3 majority the issue is tabled to the Groups to vote on.
6. After accepting nominations from GSRs carrying a Group Conscience the Chair will ask the Floor if there are any other nominations.
7. A motion is made to close nominations and must be seconded.
8. At the time of nominations, each nominee should state in person, or on paper, their qualifications for serving the Fellowship through the position in question. At a minimum the following topics should be addressed:
v Clean time of Nominee
v Past Fellowship experience
v Reasons Nominee has the desire to serve.
9. Nominations for ASC Officers and Subcommittee Chairs are open in May. Nominations from the Groups are brought to ASC in June, and other nominations from the Floor will be accepted at that time. The results of the Groups votes will be reported in July at which time the new Officers assume the position. At the June ASC Votes of Confidence will be taken for the following:
v Vice Chair to Chair
v Alternate Treasurer to Treasurer
v Alternate Secretary to Secretary
v Alternate RCM to RCM
If vote does not result in a 2/3 majority then the issue will be tabled to Groups for a regular vote.
10. Voting is done by Paper Ballot.
11. All ASC Subcommittees will elect their own Vice-Chairperson.
12. All ASC Members may succeed themselves in office, but it is recommended that no Officer serve more than two terms in the same office.
13. Nominees for ASC office must be present to be voted upon, but need not be present to be nominated. However, a written list of qualifications is required if the nominee is not present at the time of nomination.
CHAIRPERSON: The qualifications for Chairperson are:
v A willingness and desire to serve
v Active for at least one year in the NA Service Structure at the Area Level
v Willingness and desire to give the time and resources required by the position
v Suggested two years abstinence from all drugs
v Leadership ability
v Ability to communicate
v Ability to organize
The responsibilities of the Chairperson are:
v Arranges and presides over the monthly ASC meeting
v Is a co-signer on the ASC bank account
v Responsible for correspondence coming from the ASC
v Votes at ASC only in the case of a tie
v Enforces rules of decorum and discipline during ASC
v Clarifies Policy questions
v Attempts to be absolutely fair and impartial
v Must be able to work for the common good
v Places principals above Personalities
VICE CHAIRPERSON: The qualifications for Vice Chair are:
v
A willingness and desire to serve
v
Service Experience
v
Active for at least six months in the NA service
structure at the Area level
v Willingness and desire to give the time and resources required by the position
v Suggested one year abstinence from all drugs
v Leadership ability
v Ability to communicate
v Ability to organize
The responsibilities of the Vice Chairperson are:
v Coordinates all Subcommittee functions
v In the absence of the Chairperson the Vice Chairperson shall perform all the duties of the Chairperson
v Is a co-signer on the ASC bank account
v Liaison between all Subcommittees to assure proper coordination of responsibilities
SECRETARY: The qualifications for Secretary are:
v
A willingness and desire to serve
v
Service Experience
v
Active for at least six months in the NA service
structure at the Area level
v Willingness and desire to give the time and resources required by the position
v Suggested one year abstinence from all drugs
v Leadership ability
v Ability to communicate
v Ability to organize
The responsibilities of the Secretary are:
v Keeps an accurate record of each ASC Meeting
v Distributes Minutes & Subcommittee Reports to GSRs no later than 2 weeks after ASC
v Is a co-signer on the Area bank account
v Types and sends any letters that the ACS so dictates
v Keeps the records of the ASC
v Maintains and arranges for printing of the Area Meeting List
v Compiles and maintains the Area files and Archives
v Does any other job that is assigned by the ASC during the year
ALTERNATE SECRETARY: The office of Alternate Secretary is a two-year commitment. The first year is spent becoming familiar with the job, attending all ASC Meetings and assisting the Secretary whenever possible. If for any reason the Secretary is unable to complete his or her term in office then the Alternate Secretary fills in for the Secretary for the remainder of the term. Recommended qualifications for Alternate Secretary are the same as for the Secretary, with the exception that only six months abstinence is the suggested clean time.
TREASURER: The qualifications for Treasurer are:
v
A willingness and desire to serve
v
Service Experience
v
Active for at least six months in the NA service
structure at the Area level
v Willingness and desire to give the time and resources required by the position
v Suggested two years abstinence from all drugs
v Leadership ability
v Ability to communicate
v Ability to organize
v
The responsibilities of the Treasurer are:
v Reports contributions and expenses at every ASC Meeting
v In addition, also makes quarterly and annual reports about the ASC’s finances
v Responsible for bulk purchases of Literature and the Area Literature stockpile
v Attempts to make sure each Group contributes their fair share to support ASC services
v Maintains a Prudent Reserve adequate to serve the Area
v All monies are channeled through the Treasurer
v Pays the bills, and Subcommittee Budget amounts as needed, by check.
v All checks are signed at the ASC Meeting
v Treasurer is a co-signer on the ASC bank account
ALTERNATE TREASURER: The office of Alternate Treasurer is a two-year commitment. The first year of service is spent becoming familiar with the duties of the Treasurer, attending all ASC Meetings, and assisting the Treasurer whenever possible. In the absence of the Treasurer the Alternate will perform the duties of the Treasurer. If for any reason the Treasurer is unable to fulfill his or her commitment, then the Alternate Treasure fills in for the remainder of the term. The qualifications are the same as for Treasurer, with the exception that only one-year abstinence is the suggested clean time.
REGIONAL COMMITTEE MEMBER: The qualifications for RCM are:
v
A willingness and desire to serve
v
Service Experience
v
Active for at least six months in the NA service
structure at the Area level
v Willingness and desire to give the time and resources required by the position
v Suggested two years abstinence from all drugs
v Leadership ability
v Ability to communicate
v Ability to organize
The responsibilities of the RCM are:
v Represents Group Conscience of the ASC at the Regional Service Conference (RSC)
v Provides, for the ASC’s consideration, all pertinent RSC Agenda items. This includes motions requiring Area Group Conscience, and these must be brought to the ASC that immediately follows RSC so that there will be enough time for consideration and voting by the Groups
v Attends all RSCs and takes part in any discussions affecting the Region
v Speaks at RSC as the voice of the ASC’s Group Conscience
v Must be able to work for the common good
v Endeavors to always place Principals above Personalities
v That the RCM, or Alternate, will always have a "Vote of Confidence" at Regional to
Vote on
issues that the Area did not vote on.
RCM ALTERNATE: The office of RCM Alternate is a two-year commitment. The first year of service is spent becoming familiar with the duties of the RCM, attending all ASC and RSC Meetings, and assisting the RCM whenever possible. In the absence of the RCM the Alternate will perform the duties of the RCM. If for any reason the RCM is unable to fulfill his or her commitment, then the Alternate fills in for the remainder of the term. The qualifications are the same as for RCM, with the exception that only one-year abstinence is the suggested clean time.
ALL SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS: The qualifications for Subcommittee Chairs are:
v
A willingness and desire to serve
v
Service Experience
v
Active for at least six months in the NA service
structure at the Subcommittee level
v Willingness and desire to give the time and resources required by the position
v Suggested one year abstinence from all drugs
v Working knowledge of the 12 Traditions & the NA Service Structure
v Leadership ability
v Ability to communicate
v Ability to organize
It is suggested that each subcommittee submit written plans of their activities for the approval of the ASC, as needed. It is also suggested that all subcommittees hold workshops to promote an awareness of how they function within the Fellowship. Each Subcommittee will submit a monthly Budget annually, one month after ASC elections.
Hospitals & Institutions – The H&I Subcommittee at the Area level is in charge of carrying the message of recovery to the addict that cannot come us, or to an institution where for any reason there are restrictions that differ from the 12 Traditions. The Ares H&I Subcommittee keeps record of H&I meetings, coordinates panels and establishes new meetings in as many Hospitals and Institutions as possible. The H&I Subcommittee is accountable for all disbursed literature, and for expenditure of their budgeted funds, in a written report to be presented at each ASC.
Public Information – The Public Information Subcommittee at the Area level establishes attempts to carry the NA message of recovery to those who help or have contact with addicts. The PI Subcommittee attempts to open lines of communication via radio shows, public service announcements (PSAs), posters, mail-outs, one-on-one interviews, attendance at related conventions in the professional field, etc. The ways and means are innumerable. The H&I Subcommittee is accountable for all disbursed literature, and for expenditure of their budgeted funds, in a written report to be presented at each ASC.
Helpline – The Helpline Subcommittee at the Area level establishes, maintains and coordinates an effective 24-hour / 7 day a week answering service. The Helpline Subcommittee is responsible to meet the needs of addicts in this capacity. They do so by following the 12 Traditions and the policy guidelines of the Treasure Coast ASC. The main purpose of the Helpline Subcommittee is to provide a means by which the still suffering addict can reach out to a member of Narcotics Anonymous. The Helpline Subcommittee is accountable for expenditure of their budgeted funds, in a written report to be presented at each ASC.
Literature Subcommittee – The Literature Subcommittee at the Area level is primarily responsible for the purchase and distribution of NA literature to the Groups within the Treasure Coast Area. A minimum of one-month stockpile of literature adequate to supply the Groups will be kept on hand. The subcommittee fills the Groups literature orders at ASC and then replenishes the stockpile via the Regional Service Office. New Group Starter kits are automatically provided to a New Group and consist or $25 worth of literature chosen by the new Group. The Literature Subcommittee is accountable for the Inventory in a report given to the ASC.
Activities Subcommittee – The Activities Subcommittee coordinates and plans activities that promote unity and fellowship in the NA Program. Any functions planned by this subcommittee are to be brought to the ASC for a vote. The Activities Subcommittee is accountable to the ASC for expenditure of their budgeted funds, and for any receipts from events, in a written report submitted to the ASC.
Newsletter Subcommittee – The Newsletter Subcommittee is responsible to serve the needs of addicts seeking recovery in the Treasure Coast Area of NA by informing the Fellowship of news and upcoming events and by further promoting our unity through the written word. This function may also be provided under the responsibilities of the PI Subcommittee.
Website Subcommittee – The Website Subcommittee is responsible for maintenance of the Treasure Coast Area Website. The WebMaster will ensure that regular updates concerning events and meeting list changes occur and that bills for the hosting and maintenance of the Website are received and paid by the Treasurer. The WebMaster will be accountable to the ASC in the form of a written report.
Policy Subcommittee –
Treasure Coast Area
Policy Amendments