Service System Session 1: Project Update and Local Services

Todays Desired Outcomes 1. Help everyone to understand the proposals 2. Receive input on: What Benefits do you see in the proposals? What Challenges do you see in the proposals? What solutions might help alleviate some of the concerns?

Common Experiences & Challenges: Ineffective communication Insufficient resources Frustrated trusted servants Poor atmosphere of recovery in service meetings

Project Background NAWS restructured in the late 90s, but we havent 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

Project Background Current system designed to meet NAs needs in the 1970s Today NA is: Larger - more than 58,000 weekly meetings Present in 130+ countries Faced with far different social/governmental attitudes toward addiction and recovery

58,000 Meetings World Wide *April 2010

Project Background Current system works for some, but not for many others; The hope is to improve all services throughout our system Project unanimously adopted at WSC 2008; reaffirmed at WSC 2010 Vision Statement passed at WSC 2010 Additional background info available at:

Agreements in Principle will be offered in 2012 CAR Current Project Ends at WSC 2012 Project Proposal for a Transition Group will be in 2012 CAT If Agreements are approved at WSC 2012, New group will be formed to continue the work

Elements of an Effective System

Process-Driven Structure Planning Effectively and efficiently carrying the message Decision making Reflecting the will of a loving Higher Power Communication Sharing information and ideas with each other and those outside NA Leadership / Training Passing on our service experience

Processes to be further defined: Cyclical Planning Leadership Development Communications Delegation Decision Making Information Management

Purpose-Driven Flexible Geographically Defined Group-Focused Collaborative

Purpose Driven Each service system unit meets a specific need or group of needs, and each units responsibilities are clearly defined and understood.

Group - Focused The group support unit (GSU) in each model focuses on aiding the groups in their efforts to carry our message.

Defined by Geographic Boundaries Allow better interface with professional and legislative bodies Make it easier for professionals and the general public to find and communicate with us.

Flexible Form should follow function, so each model offers ideas for optional or intermediate service bodies, which may be used if needed, but are not mandated.

Collaborative Successful service provision depends on all the elements of a service system working together toward a common goal.

Collaborative System rather than pyramid structure with both Vertical and Horizontal cooperation Youre a [LSC, intermediate body etc] when you say you are may not be best practice

LSU GSU ASC Currently ASCs are tasked with both group support and local service delivery. In these proposals, local efforts would be divided: Each element; the GSU and LSU would be Purpose-driven with a singular focus

GSUs may be comprised of a couple, or many groups. They shouldnt be too big though, Intimacy is what were striving for GSU NA Group

Group Support Unit 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 GSU

What happens at the GSU? Informal training & mentoring Discussion of group business, group sharing Welcome & outreach to new groups & members Orientation & intro to service

What happens at the GSU? Informal information sharing Some limited, informal service (putting up fliers, supporting outreach or H&I) Open attendance; at least one designated delegate from each group

Members are not always trained in service Key Challenges in our current structure Groups do not always receive help to deal with specific issues like drug court attendees in meetings Members are often unwilling or apathetic about service There is often a lack of NA unity and a common purpose

Offers an opportunity to introduce new members to service and to train them in the basic principles Key Solutions provided by a GSU: Group support is its main focus The GSU is an informal, discussion-based body, open to everyone interested in attending The GSU increases unity by bringing groups together and strengthening their ability to carry the NA message

GSU LSU GSU There may be one or many GSUs within the LSU boundaries

LSU GSU NA Group f lexible Communities have the f lexible option to send Group Delegates directly to the LSU, or send delegates from their GSU on behalf of all groups within that GSU,

Local Service Unit LSU 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 plan-driven

NA Group GSU Local Service Board NA Group collaborative The LSU isnt really an entity as much as a collaborative planning assembly comprised of Group and/or GSU Delegates, and the Local Service Board NA Group

Local Service Board Local Service Board Meets Monthly (or as needed) Admin officers & delegates to the next level of service Oversees workgroups coordinates planning assemblies - develops budgets and plan maintains external relationships

Local Planning Conference LSU A 3-4 times / year event; LSB elected here Consists of delegates from both GSUs and LSUs, Local Service Board members, Project and/or workgroup leads, interested members One meeting a year is the Annual Planning Assembly

Local Planning Conference LSU May be some focused sessions, like a session for interface with another level (collaborative) like CAR Workshops today or a training Primary focus: executing this quarters step in the annual planning cycle Consensus decisions

Annual Planning Assembly LSU One major check-in and refocusing event in the cycle each year Scanning, reaffirming priorities, setting new priorities May complete some workgroups and begin others Group delegates, GSU delegates, LSB, project coordinators & workgroup members + any interested members

NA Group GSU Local Service Board NA Group collaborative The LSU isnt really an entity as much as a collaborative planning assembly comprised of Group and/or GSU Delegates, and the Local Service Board NA Group

Complex service decisions are often made by inexperienced trusted servants Key Challenges in our current structure Many members are unwilling to serve on subcommittees, meaning we have too few trusted servants The atmosphere in some service meetings is off-putting 1 2 3

Separates NA business from group concerns allowing the business to be carried out by members who may have received some service mentorship at the GSU. Key Solutions provided by an LSU: Project-based service provision is more attractive to some members Where possible consensus-based decision making is used rather than motions 1 2 3

Synching planning cycles throughout the system Local issues to resolve Fund flow, including how GSU is funded (if the GSU needs funds) Literature distribution Who determines LSU boundaries?

Group Support and Local Services Update Benefits, Challenges and Solutions

To stay involved, visit the Service System project page: Minute Break!

Service System Session 2 Intermediate/State Bodies and WSC Seating

Intermediate Bodies Occupy the space between 2 or more service bodies as needed; like an accordion Formed based on identified need through planning process Facilitate communication; may deliver some services

Intermediate Bodies Not a place-holder to retain existing structure. Needs-based Not shared services in the sense that it exists between LSU and State, not between two LSUs More discussion, creativity, experience is needed to further define this level

LSU GSU Intermediate Body GSUs may need an Intermediate body to perform some services for them in a particularly dense or rural community, or to deal with language needs GSU

LSU Intermediate Body LSUs may need an Intermediate body to perform some services for them in a particularly dense or rural community, or to reduce the size of the State Assembly State/National Services LSU

shared services are not intermediate bodies; and arent currently covered in the proposals LSU Shared Services We welcome experience on how to effectively manage shared services

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 State/National Services

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

World Service Conference Currently, 118 Regions send delegates to the WSC. Zones are not part of the Delegation Stream Region (RSC) Zones Region (RSC) Region (RSC) Region (RSC) Zones

World Service Conference The proposal is to seat States/Countries or Provinces at the WSC. The role of Zones would remain unchanged Zones State Nation or Province This will help us reduce the size of the conference and base seating on Geographically defined Boundaries

State/Nation/Province WSC Seating Basic model going in: US States, Canadian Provinces, Nations elsewhere Identify anomalies in this, such as perhaps Brazil, Mexico, Russia and make appropriate adaptations Additional anomalies may be, for example, New England or other smaller states which could combine Need more definition about what constitutes a state versus a nation No proposed changes to current zones

Service System issues to resolve Who creates intermediate bodies? Who determines LSU boundaries? Legal issues: Corporations, insurance, RSOs How do shared services committees work? State/Nation Anomalies and how to identify and resolve - Further seating criteria 6 Synching planning cycles throughout the system

State/National Services and Intermediate Bodies Benefits, Challenges and Solutions

Questions? Need More Information? Feel free to contact us.