World Services

Nar-Anon World Services

Nar-Anon World Services provide information, communication, coordination, and guidance to those all over the world through the World Service Office, World Service Board of Trustees (BOT), world service committees and website.  Tradition nine states, “Our groups, as such ought never to be organized, but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.”  This allows for a service structure that makes it possible for the Nar-Anon Fellowship to carry its message with maximum effectiveness.  These services ensure that we deal with the issues and needs of our entire fellowship.

World Service Conference (WSC)

The WSC is a biennial event for the expression of the group conscience of the Nar-Anon Fellowship.  Its participants are elected regional delegates and alternate delegates, the World Service Board of Trustees, world service committee chairs, WSC Facilitator, and the executive director of the World Service Office and staff.

World Service Board of Trustees (BOT)

In accordance with the Nar-Anon Twelve Steps of Service, the World Service Board of Trustees acts as guardian of the Nar-Anon Traditions, provides support for the administration of Nar-Anon World Services, and is responsible for and has legal authority to manage the worldwide affairs of Nar-Anon Family Group Headquarters.

Regional Service Positions

REGIONAL DELEGATES

Region delegate and alternate delegate should be members who have been GSRs.  If this is not feasible, the region may select from members who have completed a minimum of three (3) years continuous service in Nar-Anon.  When elected as delegate and alternate delegate, while in office, they cannot hold office in the region; this includes no longer being a GSR.  Delegate and alternate delegate are elected to serve for two (2) years, representing all the meetings in the region.  The term of service begins following the election.  Alternate delegates should be willing to become delegate at the end of their delegate’s term, upon assembly approval.

Delegate

Region delegates work for the good of Nar-Anon, providing two-way communication between the region and Nar-Anon as a whole.  Delegates speak for members, groups, and areas within their region at the world service level and bring the views and ideas of worldwide Nar-Anon back to their regions.  Delegates are fully active participants of the WSC, elected by the region’s GSRs, and accountable to their regions.  As members of the conference, they hear and discuss issues affecting the Nar-Anon Fellowship.  During the cycle between conferences they also serve on world service committees to further the work set in motion at the WSC.

Duties:

  • Attend all regular meetings of the RSC, GSRs, assembly, and the WSC
  • Works closely with GSRs, RSC, and subcommittees
  • May serve on subcommittees, although not as chair
  • A source of information regarding the Twelve Traditions and Concepts,
  • Keep the region informed of the Conference Agenda Report (CAR) as soon as it becomes available, prior to the WSC
  • Coordinate and facilitate as many sessions as the RSC/GSR requests to review the CAR

Alternate Delegate

Region alternate delegates work closely with their delegates, participating in regional service activities and becoming familiar with the duties of the delegate.  If a region delegate is unable to fulfill the two-year term, the alternate delegate is prepared to complete the delegate’s term.

Alternate delegates may attend the WSC with their delegates to become familiar with the WSC process.  In the delegate’s absence, the alternate will be recognized as a full participant on the floor of the conference.  Seating on the floor of the conference is limited to two representatives per region, one delegate and one alternate.  Alternate delegates may also serve on world service committees.

CHAIR

The chair should have leadership and organization abilities and be capable of conducting business meetings.  The recommended experience for this position is three (3) years continuous service in Nar-Anon.  The chair is elected to serve for two (2) years.

Duties:

  • Presides over all RSC meetings and assemblies
  • Stays informed of all subcommittee activities and is available for support with any concerns
  • Calls for and assembly after the WSC to hear the delegate’s report
  • Calls for assemblies whenever the RSC or delegate deems them necessary
  • Signs all committee correspondence
  • Is a co-signer on the RSC bank account

VICE CHAIR

The vice chair should be willing to become chair at the end of the current chair’s term.  If the chair is unable to fulfill the position, the vice chair assumes the chair’s position for the duration of the term or until an election assembly is held.  The recommended experience for this position is three (3) years continuous service in Nar-Anon.  The vice chair is elected to serve for two (2) years.

SECRETARY

The secretary keeps accurate minutes of each RSC, GSR meeting and assembly.  The recommended experience for this position is two (2) years of service in Nar-Anon.  The secretary is elected to serve for two (2) years.

Duties:

  • Works with RSC officers to plan meeting agendas
  • Distributes minutes of RSC and GSR meetings, and assemblies to members of the RSC, and before GSR meetings
  • Updates a log of all approved RSC, GSR, and assembly policy motions and distributes as needed
  • Handles all RSC and GSR correspondence
  • Keeps a current directory of RSC and GSR members
  • Submits a copy of the approved assembly minutes to the WSC Committee (wscconference@nar-anon.org) verifying the election or continued endorsement of the delegate and alternate delegate prior to each conference

TREASURER

The treasurer is the custodian of the Region’s finances and bank account.  The recommended experience for this position is two (2) years continuous service in Nar-Anon.

Duties:

  • Maintains accurate records of Region financial transactions
  • Issues receipts for any contributions received
  • Makes disbursements to cover Region expenditures
  • Submits a written report at each RSC meeting of all financial transactions that have occurred since the prior meeting
  • Presents an annual summary of income and expenses to the RSC for budget planning
  • Reports the Region’s current financial status at the assembly
  • Presents the Region’s proposed budget at the assembly for approval
  • Prepares a special appeal letter, as needed, to be sent to all groups requesting contributions to cover Region expenses
  • Forwards the delegate’s equalized expense sum to WSO by the established deadline as set forth by the WSC committee
  • Is a co-signer of the RSC bank account
  • Note that two (2) co-signers are listed on the accounts, but only one (1) is needed to sign checks

WEBSITE COORDINATOR

The website coordinator is the region’s technology wiz and should have a good working knowledge of building and maintaining a website, including experience using WordPress, along with managing web hosting and email.  The recommended experience for this position is one (1) year of continuous service in Nar-Anon.  The website coordinator is elected to serve for two (2) years.

SUBCOMMITTEES

OUTREACH

While keeping the traditions and principles of our program in mind, this subcommittee acts as a vital link and resource between Nar-Anon and all outside entities.  This may include, but not be limited to recovery centers, hospitals, professionals in contact with family and friends of addicts, local agencies, clergy and the general public who may be seeking help.  Members, groups and committees reach out in an effort to carry the Nar-Anon message to those unaware of the Nar-Anon program and the benefits offered in our meetings where our members share their experience, strength and hope.  (More information is available in the Guide to Local Service, Outreach to the Public section.)  The outreach coordinator is elected to serve for two (2) years.

NARATEEN

This subcommittee implements the process for screening, certification and training of potential and current Nar-Anon members involved in Narateen service in the region.  These procedures are necessary to ensure the protection of Narateen and Nar-Anon members involved in Narateen service within a region in accordance with applicable laws.  The committee prepares an itemized yearly budget to support Narateen initiatives and submits to the RSC for inclusion in the region budget; presents verbal/written reports, including financial status, to the RSC and at assemblies; and communicates with outside organization requesting Narateen groups in their region/area.  The Narateen process person may be a member of this subcommittee and may also serve as chair.