Service System Structural Proposals Overview for Local Workshops

Objectives for Today Understand the proposals well enough to begin participating in the discussions Understand how to participate Focus on particular aspects of the new structure that may represent real change for our community or communities

Project Background NAWS took an inventory and restructured in the late 90s, but we have never similarly examined local services – until now In the past decade we have had Issue Discussion Topics and Worldwide Workshops focused on topics such as: Atmosphere of Recovery (including in service meetings Building Strong Home Groups Infrastructure From ABQ presentation

Project Background Input includes the same commonly experienced, ongoing challenges in NA service: Ineffective communication Insufficient resources Frustrated trusted servants Poor atmosphere of recovery in service meetings From ABQ presentation

Project Background This fellowshipwide discussion led to the current Service System Project being adopted at the 2008 World Service Conference. Current structure was 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 From ABQ presentation

To stay involved, visit the project page at: General Timeline Summer/Fall 2010 – First discussions & workshops 31 December 2010 – Input received Early 2011 – Revise & re-release proposals Late 2011 – Prepare for WSC To stay involved, visit the project page at: http://www.na.org/servicesystem

Elements of an Effective System

Foundational Principles Purpose-Driven Group-Focused Geographically Defined Flexible

Focused Local Units 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 local groups Local Service Unit (LSU): devoted entirely to providing local services

The group support unit (GSU) is intended to help groups better carry the message within their meetings by separating out the group support function from the “business” of NA and creating a body whose purpose is helping groups

The LSU is the “workhorse” of the service system, responsible for the bulk of local services. Wherever possible and practical, the LSU will be bound by recognized geography (e.g. town, county.) The LSU is project- and plan-driven

GSU Options

Enables rural GSUs to send a single delegate on their behalf to the LSU meeting Enables urban GSUs to come together to send a single delegate to reduce the size of the LSU Could allow minority language speaking groups to come together and send a single delegate to the LSU meeting as well as providing services like translations and events

Can reduce travel time for trusted servants Enables neighboring LSUs to send a single delegate on their behalf to the state/national service body meeting Can reduce travel time for trusted servants Enables densely populated communities to reduce the number of delegates at the state/national body

Consists of a state, province, or country Could consist of neighboring states, provinces, or countries for seating purposes Provides services that cover the whole state, province, or country Border communities may join neighboring states if practical

Intended Services State/national service bodies: Interact with government and professional bodies Organize assemblies and conventions Coordinate centralized resources Provide a communication link

Existing and Proposed Seating Options

General Timeline Summer/Fall 2010 – Discussions & workshops Submit your input Get project updates Join the discussion board Stay involved & encourage others to join the process! General Timeline Summer/Fall 2010 – Discussions & workshops 31 December 2010 – Input received Early 2011 – Revise & re-release proposals Late 2011 – Prepare for WSC Stay involved! Visit the project page: http://www.na.org/servicesystem 