1. Service System Structural Proposals
Overview for Local Workshops

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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:

7. Elements of an Effective System

9. Foundational Principles
Purpose-Driven
Group-Focused
Geographically Defined
Flexible

10. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. GSU Options

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

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

20. Existing and Proposed Seating Options

21. General Timeline Summer/Fall 2010 – Discussions & workshops
Submit your input
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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: 