Step 12 "Work" - How does this help us recover?

As we progress through our steps and work our program we begin to appreciate what the program has changed in our lives. We remember what it was like to be looking for help and we can now share our experience, strength and hope. We may also posses additional skills and knowledge that can contribute to keeping this wonderful program running from the local group level to the international level.

S-Anon groups hold the ultimate authority and responsibility for the healthy functioning of the fellowship as a whole. Members volunteer their time and skills in the service of the S-Anon fellowship so that groups continue to function. The S-Anon service structure provides a framework for members. Each local group establishes service positions to meet the needs of the group. If an Intergroup is operating in the local area, each group may elect a Group Service Representative to attend Intergroup meetings and report back on matters of interest.

Group service structure:

No one type or format is imposed on an S-Anon meeting, but some structures have been found to work better than others. Each Group decides on the best structure for their group using a process known as “Group Conscience.” Some of the most common roles include:

Meeting Leader: Facilitates the smooth flow and functioning of a meeting. This role usually rotates every meeting.

Secretary: While each group has its own procedures, the secretary may do the following tasks:

• Keeps the group informed and updated about important S-Anon activities/events.

• Maintains minutes of business/group conscience meetings.

• Maintains a strictly confidential file of member contact info—subject to each member’s approval (i.e., each member may opt in/out).

• Keeps a record of members’ sobriety dates, if the group so wishes.

• Makes certain that the World Service Office (WSO) and other service entities are informed, in writing, of any significant information changes.

• Shares with group members relevant mail from other groups, intergroup, and WSO, unless this is done by the Group Service Representatives.

Treasurer: S-Anon groups are fully self-supporting through their members’ voluntary contributions. Passing the basket at meetings usually covers the group’s monetary needs, with enough left over so the group can do its fair share of supporting the local intergroup, donating to WSO, and contributing to local S-Anon events. The treasurer may carryout the following tasks:

• Pays rent

• Purchases Conference approved S-Anon literature, and other supplies as needed• Submits donations to WSO, Annual retreat, and special events

• Generally maintains clear records (a ledger is helpful)• Keeps their group informed about how much money is taken in and how it is spent• Makes periodic reports to the group and posts financial statements quarterly

• Maintains a prudent reserve in case an unforeseen need arises (amount determined by group conscience)

Literature representative: Makes certain that S-Anon Conference-approved books and pamphlets, ordered from the World Service Office or purchased from the local intergroup,are on hand for meetings and properly displayed.

Newcomer Contact: Serves as a first point of contact for newcomer inquiries.

Group Service Representatives: Attends Intergroup meetings and reports back to their home groups on matters of interest.

Area Delegate: There are a total 56 area delegates across the US and Canada. The Area Delegate represents local groups at the annual World Service Conference (WSC). The responsibility and accountability of the area delegate is to:

• Meet by phone/email with other Delegates

• Bring the Area–wide group conscience to the annual World Service Conference (WSC) annually at the WSC

• Participate in WSC discussion and vote on issues that affect S-Anon as a whole

• After the WSC, delegates report voting results to their areas

• In preparation for the conclusion of their term, the area delegate may train a successor

General Service:

Members often provide service in a number of other ways, including:

• Assist with setup/cleanup of the meeting room

• Participate in regular group conscience/business meetings

• Oversee coffee/beverage service for meetings

• Volunteer to participate in a newcomer orientation

• Follow-up with newcomers by phone

• Assist in planning retreats, websites, checking voicemails/emails

• Reach out to other group members who may be struggling

• Share experience, strength, and hope during meetings

For additional information about S-Anon Service Structure

https://sanon.org/interest-categories/group-resources-2/service-literature/