Service System Structural Proposals Swedish Service Assembly

Desired Outcomes for this Workshop Provide a simple overview of the structural proposals Discuss the most likely relevance to Sweden Answer as many questions as possible

Project Background NAWS restructured in the late 90s, but we haven’t holistically examined local services – until now Current structure designed before the Twelve Concepts were adopted in 1992 Our hope is for a system that more closely embodies the principles of the Twelve Concepts

Foundational Principles Purpose-Driven Group-Focused Geographically Defined Flexible Collaborative

Elements of an Effective System

Sweden & the Proposed Structural Changes

State/National Service Bodies Relevance in Sweden More relevant to the US where regional boundaries are often not state boundaries now. No structural change on a national level though possibly process changes Recent draft of proposals outlines beginning process ideas

Intermediate Bodies Relevance in Sweden Not likely to be relevant initially Occupies space between service bodies like an accordion, when needed due to density, distance or language. Based upon need: large number of LSUs in a country, or geographical/language barriers

Focused Local Services Our current ASCs are tasked with group support and local service delivery. In these proposals, local efforts would be divided: Group Support Unit (GSU): devoted entirely to providing support to groups Local Service Unit (LSU): devoted entirely to providing local services. Where possible, geographically defined (e.g., city, town).

Local Services Relevance in Sweden This level may be most relevant to Sweden: Both structure and process changes at what is now the area level Group Support Units: discussion and support forums for group issues Usually multiple GSUs for a single Local Service Unit. Neighborhood based.

GSU/LSU Options

Local Services Relevance in Sweden Local Service Unit: Quarterly Planning Sessions with everyone present: group delegates, project teams, workgroup leaders, LSU administrative team, delegates to the next level LSU Administration: May be a “Local Service Board” which meets monthly and oversees projects and workgroups

Processes: The Most Significant Change

Process Examples Communication Sharing information & ideas with each other. Better using tools & tying communication to planning Leadership Identifying leadership potential, training, mentoring, making effective use of veteran leaders Planning Determining actual needs, setting specific goals, assessing and assigning resources, monitoring and making adjustments Decision Making Working together to make decisions through consensus where possible, exercise delegation and accountability. Information Management Capturing, preserving, and delivering information as needed.

Timeline of Work Current 4-year project to end at WSC 2012 At WSC 2012, we are planning to offer a set of “agreements in principle” on the direction we’ve discussed We will propose a project for the 2012- 2014 cycle to continue this work

Service System Project To stay involved, visit the project page: http://www.na.org/servicesystem