Area Officer and Appointed Chair Roles

Experience, Strength and Hope

Coming Soon

Position Description

A. Know and understand the feelings, opinions, and the informed conscience of the
members within the Area concerning the General Service Conference Agenda items.
B. Enhance the communications from the Groups to the General Service
Conference and back.
C. Facilitate Pre-Conference agenda item workshops.
D. Attend Conference committee meetings, Trustees’ meetings and Regional Delegate
meetings as scheduled.
E. Keep the Alternate Delegate fully informed and active, so the Alternate Delegate can
step in for the Delegate if necessary.
F. Attend the General Service Conference, prepared to express the conscience
of the Area as a result of having presented and discussed the Conference Agenda
items throughout the Area during the months preceding the Conference.
G. Attend the Pacific Region A.A. Service Assembly (PRAASA), Pacific Regional
Forums, and where appropriate, other Regional or State service functions
H. Attend all Northern California Council of Alcoholics Anonymous (NCCAA) conferences
as a member of the NCCAA Steering Committee
I. Coordinate service activities with the California Northern Coastal Area (CNCA).
J. Send a list of the newly elected Panel of Area Officers to the Conference
K. Submit new officer and chair information to GSO immediately following the Election
Assembly.

Experience, Strength and Hope

Serving as Alternate Delegate has been a joy and learning experience that I will always cherish for these last two years. My main responsibility is to make sure I'm ready whenever the Delegate or Area needs me. Be prepared to attend the General Service Conference if the Delegate cant attend. During agenda item season, I try to attend every agenda item workshop our Area holds. I help take notes or tallies during the pre-conference assembly. Communicate with the delegate seeing where I can support them or assist them in any way I can.
Public information/ Cooperation with the Professional Community is the duty that the Area asks the Alternate Delegate to lead. Serving in that position has been a learning experience. I host a monthly Area Sharing Session for PI/CPC once a month. I work with the districts in helping them either connect them with Intergroup/Central offices who have PI/CPC Committees or try to start committees. Attend different PI/CPC events throughout the Area helping setup tables and participating at events.
Serve on the Technology Committee with my main role is helping Tech Chair and A/V Chair loading and unloading equipment from storage which is located in West Sacramento. Help set up Audio/Video & Hybrid equipment for Area Committee Meetings & Assemblies. Being able to lift at least 25 lbs which is around the weight of one speaker. As for time ACM we begin at 8:00am at the storage facility and end the day around 4:45 after breaking down and cleaning the room. Assemblies go up the night before on two day assemblies and go up in the morning of a three day assembly.
I attend a few different meetings a month which are the Officers Call (mandatory), Technology Committee (mandatory), North American Alternate Delegate (NAAD) and Pacific Region Alt-Delegates (both not mandatory).
Besides the duties mentioned above as Alt-Delegate I try to help out any Officer or Appointed Chairs that might need assistance. Attended as many unity days, GRS Schools, or any District events have in our Area that my schedule allows. Serving as Alt-Delegate the thing I have enjoyed most is supporting DCM’s and GSR’s in their roles and encouraging them as we serve together. Being available to speak on panels, workshops and help facilitate group/district inventories as schedule allows. - Claudio B.

Position Description

A. Perform the duties of the Area Delegate in their absence.
B. Assist and work closely with the Delegate on the Agenda Items and Actions of the General Service Conference as well as other information supplied by the Delegate and
the General Service Office.
C. Serve as requested as Chairperson for Public Information and Cooperation with the Professional Community (PI/CPC).
D. Reach out to the fellowship to foster awareness of PI/CPC and create a better understanding of what we can do better to reach the alcoholic who still suffers.
E. Encourage and attend District Workshops and Sharing Sessions on PI/CPC as requested.
F. Maintain PI/CPC supplies.
G. Maintain a PI/CPC District contact list.
H. Set up PI/CPC display at all assemblies.
I. Serve as requested on the Tech committee.
J. Assist Secretary in taking notes at Pre-Conference Assembly.

Experience, Strength and Hope

This is a dynamic service position that puts me in touch with the heart of Alcoholics Anonymous – all of you! I am the point of contact for District Committee Members (DCMs), General Service Representatives (GSRs), and A.A. members in our area, and I am a resource for anyone who has an issue, concern, and/or suggestion for our area business. I write a report each month to highlight what is going on in our area, set the agenda for our monthly area committee meetings (ACMs) and the business portions of our area assemblies, and review the Area Accents each month before distribution. I spend about 4-5 hours a week on my regular service position responsibilities, not including time for travel and attending our monthly ACMs and Assemblies.

I hold a monthly officers’ call before each ACM and area assembly, so our officers are unified going into each event. I added an appointed chairs’ call this panel, as well, so we can discuss ideas and issues to bring forward to the officers’ call.  

I spend an additional hour each month attending an Area Chairs’ call with other area chairs in our service structure. This has been informative and has given me the opportunity to highlight some of the great ways we do business in our area.

I took on the responsibility to update the SMHB for this panel, and it will be my responsibility again, as Chair, to update the SMHB at the end of the year for the next panel.

Once elected, the Chair is responsible to review resumes and select trusted servants for our appointed chair positions. The Chair is also named on our CNIA bank account, manages service contracts, and updates our insurance policies.

Conducting business and following procedure has been a huge learning experience and a tremendous opportunity for me to grow as a sober member of Alcoholics Anonymous. If you have the time and are willing to be of service, I suggest you consult your conscience, your higher power, your sponsor and your family, and consider making yourself available for this dynamic and rewarding service commitment.

It is my honor and pleasure to serve the California Northern Interior Area as your Chair for Panel 74. -Holly J.

Position Description

A. Conduct all Area Committee Meetings and business portions of Area Assemblies:
a. Responsible for adherence to agenda schedule.
b. Responsible for overseeing Assemblies.
B. Submit agendas for committee and business portions of Area Assemblies.
C. Coordinate with the Alternate Chairperson in preparing for and planning of Area Assemblies.
D. Keep the Area informed of all motions and/or recommendations made and all actions taken by the Area Committee and Area Assemblies, via Accents/Acentos or, when time
is a factor, the use of personal written correspondence, telephone, or e-mail.
E. Be available, when requested by Delegate, to attend all Northern California Council of Alcoholics Anonymous (NCCAA) Conferences as a member of the NCCAA Steering
Committee and coordinate service activities with the California Northern Coastal Area (CNCA).
F. Submit a summary of all Area Committee and Assembly actions as a separate item for publication in the Accents/Acentos.
G. Review and approve the final copy of the Accents/Acentos prior to distribution.
H. Maintain and update the CNIA Service Material Handbook.
I. Appoint and oversee the activities of the Appointed Area positions: Archives Chair, Alternate Archives Chair, Bridging the Gap Chair, Audio-Visual Technician,
Grapevine/La Viña Chair, Literature Chair, Oral Interpretation Chair, Written Translation Chair, Technology Committee Chair and members; and members of the Finance
Committee.
J. Hire Special Worker for Spanish Interpretation as needed for Area Committee Meetings and Assemblies.
K. Serve as the liaison with the facility where Area Committee Meetings are held.
Responsible for the key and opening the doors for room to be set up.
L. Provide an updated copy of this document to the incoming Area Committee by the
Winter Assembly of the new Panel term following the Election Assembly.

Experience, Strength and Hope

It’s been a privilege to serve as your Alternate Chair. As Assembly Coordinator my job is to help host districts plan assemblies, create assembly agendas, facilitate non-business portions of assemblies (panels and other activities), and deliver GSR Schools.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. It’s okay to learn as you go. I’m almost done with the panel, and I’m still learning. I’ll probably never memorize the whole Assembly checklist, and I’ll definitely always forget that really, really important thing and only realize it a day later… but I grow a little more each time. Progress not perfection.
2. I don’t do it alone. Some assembly host districts need more support than others (I lean toward “less” involvement than other Alt Chairs may have), but I still attend some planning meetings to answer questions and show up early to help set up the assemblies. I don’t always know what to do, and that’s fine—I ask past delegates and others for help all the time. You don’t need to be super creative or a master facilitator to do this job. You just have to be willing.
3. My recovery and meeting attendance comes first—even when it feels hard. I’ve skipped agenda item workshops or district events when they conflict with my home group or regular meetings (yes, really). When I feel like I should be doing more I’m reminded that Step 3 means trusting God with my calendar and when I do, God gives me the time I need to fulfill this position. I won’t try to estimate how many hours this position takes (and even if I could, I wouldn’t want to persuade or dissuade you with a number!); time has never truly been the issue. When I feel overwhelmed, good sponsorship reminds me I don’t have to run the show. Because if it were up to me, I’d say I don’t have time for any service work.
4. Others will do things differently—and that’s the point. Concept 9 talks about vision, and mine this panel included fun and trying new things like assembly karaoke or getting to know you bingo. Sometimes I heard, “We’ve never done that before,” and that’s okay. I hope the next Alt Chair has their own vision and knows they don’t need to do it like anyone else has.

If you're eligible, I hope you make yourself available. God and the Area will take care of the rest. - Emily L.

Position Description

A. Perform the duties of the Area Chairperson in their absence.
B. Provide support to the Technology Chair at Area Committee Meetings.
C. Serve as the Area Assembly Coordinator
a. Work with the Host District to plan and conduct the Area Assemblies. (See Assembly Hosting Guidelines for details).
b. Work with Assembly Host Chair to determine liability insurance needs.
D. Design and provide a GSR School at the Winter Assembly and as requested by District Committee Members (DCMs).
E. Submit the agenda for all the Area Assemblies for the Chair’s approval.
F. Conduct all non-business portions of the Area Assemblies and ACMs.
G. Coordinate Area inventory in the first year of the two-year panel (fall assembly).
H. Coordinate with the Delegate to invite the Pacific Regional Trustee to attend the CNIA Election Assembly (fall assembly, odd years).
I. Coordinate with the Technology Chair and the Treasurer to renew the CNIA Insurance Policies by March 13th each year.
a. Directors’ and Officers’ Policy
b. Property and Liability Insurance Policy

Experience, Strength and Hope

Highlights, Fun and New Experiences
The treasurer role – in addition to ‘doing the books’ – has many unexpected, positive aspects,
including:
 Building connections in and out of the area
 Learning more about the group conscience
 Hearing others’ inspiring stories of service and recovery
 Reflecting on activation that stirs up character defects and shortcomings = room to grow
 Impromptu AA meetings ‘on the road’ with other servants
 Teamwork within the finance committee and others
 Opportunities to learn with/from others
 More time ‘with’ Higher Power and in a spiritual space

Position Description

The Area 7 Treasurer role has key responsibilities and routines for overseeing finances,
communicating information, asking for help/input and maintaining records. Transparent, confidential
and secure communication practices are important. Ability to be flexible, learn quickly and provide
suggestions to others is also essential.
Orientation or pass-it-on helped to learn all of the accounts in QuickBooksOnline (QBO) and
Bank of America (BofA). For, example:
 Checking
 Prudent reserve
 Sinking or prepaid conference fund for Forum
 Parent credit card (CC) holds both
o Chair and
o Treasurer ones
Daily, Weekly and Monthly Routines and Habits
Routines are very important – daily, weekly and monthly – just as are good habits in other parts
of life and of course, recovery!
Daily
 Check, respond to email
 List to do
 Prep for upcoming events
 Communication via email, text and/or calls
Weekly or biweekly routine
 Follow bank correspondence: for notes on fees, deposits and such
 Contributions come from
o Square (come from Square or CNIA website ‘Contribution received at CNIA website)
o Zelle will be ‘First Name Last Name sent you $X…’
o PayPal (assembly deposit)
 Get check contributions from Post Office Email check
o Make deposits
o Print and send receipts to districts and groups
 Other healthy habits and routines
o Check the landscape of all accounts
o Monitor all transactions
o Review automated payment, time to pay a bill or CC

Monthly: healthy habits and routines
 Officers’ call
 Finance Committee Chair & Treasurer meeting
 Finance Committee mtg
o Develop agenda with Finance Committee Chair
o Review monthly expense/revenue summary
o Review bank accounts (quarterly)
 Occasional workshops for best practices, spending plan and other topics
 Visit districts for special events: GSC, Unity, other
 Reports
o Complete Transactions in each account before doing the Statement of Activity (SOA) and
o Monthly Expense/Revenue Summary
o Accents article
o Report for ACM and/or assembly

A. Remind and encourage the A.A. Groups of their Seventh Tradition responsibility to support District, Area, and GSO and the spiritual significance of self-support.
B. Maintain bank accounts with another Area Officer as signatories (Area Chair).
C. Receive, record, deposit, and report all income received by the Area and acknowledge each in writing. Check the PO Box or arrange to receive mail regularly, and record and
deposit contributions in a timely manner.
D. Pay monthly bills and make timely disbursements for other expenses determined in the approved Area Spending Plan, and maintain records thereof.
E. Reconcile the bank account(s) each month and prepare a monthly Expense and Revenue Summary.
F. Provide an Expense and Revenue Report to the Secretary in English and Spanish for the Accents/Acentos 11-14 days prior to ACM/Assembly.
G. Submit quarterly financial reports of group contributions by district to their DCMs.
H. Work with Literature and Grapevine Appointed Chairs to keep a record of sales by location for sales tax reporting.
I. Provide W-9 to any paid worker (translation) by January 31st.
J. Work with a tax professional to ensure proper and timely tax reporting. This includes updating the 501C3 form on an annual basis.
a. Prior year Sales Tax due to California Department of Tax and Fee Administration Board of Equalization due January 31st – Schedule A-1
b. Submit 1099s for paid workers by the end of February.
c. Three Annual Tax Filings – each are due by May 15th:
i. Department of the Treasury – Form 990 – EZ
ii. Franchise Tax Board – Form 199
iii. Attorney General, Registry of Charitable Trusts – Form RRF - 1
K. Serve as a member of the Area Finance Committee, and provide quarterly financial statements to the Finance Committee for review.
L. Prepare and present the proposed Annual Area Spending Plan with assistance from the Area Officers and the Area Finance Committee, following the Spending Plan
Preparation Schedule.
M. Prepare Final Revenue and Expense Report for review at the Winter Assembly in January of the year following the Election Assembly.

Experience, Strength and Hope

Area Officers are required to adhere to the Responsibilities and Expectations that are common to all Trusted Servants, as well as the Additional Responsibilities and Expectations specific to Area Officers, as outlined on pages 6-7. In addition, they bear responsibility for the sections relevant to their position in the A.A. Service Manual, along with the particular duties detailed in their accompanying job description provided below.

1. Record and maintain approved minutes of all proceedings conducted during Area Committee Meetings and Area Assemblies.
2. Prepare and present a comprehensive file of sanctioned Area business minutes for both the current and preceding panel at each Area Committee Meeting and Area Assembly.
3. Assist with Area correspondence as requested by the Area Committee.
4. Oversee the maintenance and distribution of the Area Newsletter, Accents/Acentos, following the Accents Publishing Schedule detailed on page 13.
5. Maintain the Area Accents/Acentos within the established framework to ensure that the Area is fully informed of all motions, recommendations, and actions undertaken by the Area Committee and Area Assemblies.
6. Design and publish the Area Accents/Acentos in an easily readable format.
7. Collaborate with the Written Translation Chair regarding the Acentos.
8. Submit the Accents/Acentos to the Area Chair for approval before distribution.
9. Publish the Accents/Acentos on the CNIA website.
10. Remain informed about the Finance Committee’s Spending Plan Preparation Schedule as outlined on page 22.
11. Allocate space within the Accents for the publication of the proposed annual Spending Plan and the minutes pertaining to discussions regarding the Spending Plan.
12. The following documents are due to the secretary the week following the ACM or

Assembly.

1. Chair’s Report for next Accents
2. Agenda for next ACM/Assembly

iii.    Articles as requested by the Area Chair

9. Send all documents to the Written Translation Chair as soon as they are received.
10. Translated Documents are due to the Secretary for the Acentos 14 days before the

ACM/Assembly.

11. The treasurer’s report is due in English and Spanish between 11-14 days before the

ACM/Assembly, or as soon as possible after the end of the month. Some mailing

Schedules may require that the report be submitted before the end of the month, or the

report can be provided separately at the ACM/Assembly.

12. Assembly flyers are published 3 months before the event (Winter Assembly flyers

to print in October, Accents are due by September 15th.

1. The Area Alternate Chair must approve flyers before they are prepared

for publishing in the Area Accents and/or posted online at cnia.org.

1. Assembly flyers are due to the Recording Secretary and the Written Translation

Chairperson by the 15th of the month before publication.

13. Request printed copies for distribution at the ACM/Assembly as follows:
14. a) For ACMs: 20 Accents and 10 Acentos
15. b) For Assemblies: 50 Accents and 20 Acentos
16. Email the content of the Accents/Acentos in text format to the Webmaster 10 days before the ACM/Assembly for publication on the CNIA.org website.
17. Distribute the Accents/Acentos via email to the area committee through the online distribution list 5 days before the ACM/Assembly.  - Jose U.

Position Description

A. Take minutes and maintain approved minutes of all business at Area Committee Meetings and Area Assemblies.
B. Provide a complete file of approved Area business minutes for the immediate and past panel at each Area Committee Meeting and Area Assembly.
C. Assist with Area correspondence when requested by the Area Committee.
D. Record and maintain audio recordings of Area business until relevant minutes have been approved.
E. Maintain and distribute the Area Newsletter, Accents/Acentos, as follows and according to the Accents Publishing Schedule (p. 13):
a. Keep the Area Accents/Acentos within the framework of its stated purpose: to keep the Area informed of all motions and/or recommendations made and all actions
taken by the Area Committee and Area Assemblies.
b. Adhere to the spending plan for printing and mailing costs.
c. Design and publish the Area Accents/Acentos in a readable layout.
d. Coordinate with the Written Translation Chair for the Acentos.
e. Submit Accents/Acentos to Area Chair for approval prior to distribution.
f. Coordinate with the Registrar to update the Accents/Acentos postal and email lists.
g. Post the Accents/Acentos to the CNIA website and email to the current distribution list.
h. Stay informed of Finance Committee’s Spending Plan Preparation Schedule (p. 22).
i. Provide space in the Accents to publish the proposed annual Spending Plan and minutes covering the Spending Plan discussion.

Experience, Strength and Hope

The main purpose of the Area Registrar is to collect group information primarily from the DCMs and GSRs and update it in the Fellowship Connection system which is what the General Service Office uses to communicate with the fellowship. Although mostly accomplished through email, it’s more fun when I get to sit with these people in person and work through their changes.

Every month I execute the Group and Service Position reports for the DCMs, and I also maintain the confidential Area trusted servant contact list. On average I spend about 4-5 hours a week on these regular activities, excluding time for travel and attending our monthly ACMs and Assemblies.

What I originally imagined to be a very detailed admin heavy role has truly blossomed into a real people connection experience, as well as broadening my understanding of the General Service structure, something I am very passionate about.

As the Area Registrar I am asked to be willing and available to attend District meetings and special events, serve on panels and other Area/District/Regional events when opportunities arise. When I shared at PRAASA in March, my topic of “Rule 62, Don’t Take Yourself So Damn Seriously” really helped me remember that it’s ok to make mistakes. Remember when our Delegate Matthew said “you’re in a room of mistake makers” to all of us at the Pre-Conference Assembly? Making mistakes, being vulnerable, allows others to relate to us which really spoke to me, and if I wasn’t the Area Registrar I wouldn’t have heard that message.

Earlier in the year when I got to present General Service Conference agenda items at District meetings, the research I did to prepare for those presentations taught me about some of the proposed changes happening in AA. I also had a blast participating in the mock General Service Conference hosted by D22 as a Trustees Literature Committee member!

Another blessing I’ve received as Registrar is discovering that speaking from the podium, whether in front of a small group of AA's, or hundreds of us like I did at PRAASA, was a humbling and yet fun and confidence boosting experience that I am very grateful for.

In closing, I’d like to thank everyone who voted for me in January. Being Registrar has been educational and rewarding in so many ways. When elections come around in November I hope to be given the opportunity to serve in this role again, this time for an entire panel so that I can really embrace the entirety of serving YOU as the Area Registrar. -Debbie S.

Position Description

A. Remind and Encourage all groups in our area to complete group change request forms to keep meeting and group representative information up to date.
B. Maintain our Area’s current information in the General Service Office’s database system – Fellowship Connection. This includes Individuals, Groups, Districts, and Area
Information.
C. Maintain the Area Committee Contact List for the current Panel and make the list available to Area members.
D. Create and distribute Group & Trusted Servant monthly reports for DCMs and other requesting area members.
E. Maintain the Accents/Acentos mailing list and share with the Recording Secretary monthly.
F. Assist other Area Officers in group/individual research and create special reports as requested.
G. Assist Area members with anything related to group and member registration.

Experience, Strength and Hope

Coming soon

Position Description

A. Ensure that the CNIA Archives Center is open to members for up to two days each
month.
a. The first Saturday of the month from 10am to 2pm.
b. One additional Saturday of each month for a period of four hours.
B. Select, preserve, sort, and categorize materials at location above.
C. Create displays of archival materials for member’s viewing.
D. Maintain and transport Archives displays to all Assemblies, District functions, and other
A.A. functions as requested, so long as they that do not interfere with Area Assemblies
and District functions.
E. Facilitate regular working groups with interested persons and volunteers that focus on
the growth and activities of Area 07 Archives.
F. Encourage members to volunteer to learn more about our area archives and train
trusted volunteers in archival preservation
G. Facilitate audio recordings of personal histories for Archives files.
H. Encourage groups to provide group information to preserve their group history in our
Archives.
I. Make recommendations of improvement needs at the Archives Center.
J. Be available to attend the National Alcoholics Anonymous Archives Workshop as
current approved spending plan allows.

Experience, Strength and Hope

Being an alternate archivist is basically going wherever the archivist goes, do what she does, and learn everything she knows in two years. I am fortunate because my sponsor was a previous archivist and an AA historian, and the archivist that is training me believes in hands-on training, so I am doing everything she does. I am learning how to preserve and handle archival materials, organize archival hardcopies and preparing them for digitizing. An important thing I am learning is communication, listening to other’s ideas, be teachable, but most of all I’m learning to be tolerant, not to be judgmental, and remember we are all doing service for the same reasons, to carry and preserve the message of AA. The growing experience is sometimes painful but rewarding.

I have had the opportunity to go to seven assemblies, two PRAASA’s, make agenda item presentations, do presentations at assemblies, area meetings, and to face self-centered fear. One of the most rewarding experiences was when a young man, 28 days sober, approached the archives table, clearly uncomfortable. As we talked there was no generational issue, no gender issue, just one drunk talking to another. I am learning that I am not as important as I think I am. I am only a spoke in the wheel. This experience is humbling and a privilege.

Some who have not been to a PRAASA, or yearly workshop may think it’s a perk of being an appointed chair or area officer, and it’s an irresponsible way of spending area money. These assemblies and workshops are where we learn ways to do and improve our service commitment, and to network and learn from experienced archivists. I learn more in one PRASSA or workshop than I would in a semester at a university. I know this to be true because I have a BA in History from UC Davis. These experiences teach me how to be a responsible leader, as well as, to behave, dress, and act a certain way because I am representing AA and our area.

It’s not required, but I recommend if you are interested in this position, you should enjoy learning about AAs past, avail yourself to as many resources as possible, such as the regional archivists’ meeting, talk to longtime AA members, and I put in at least 25 hours a month. This position is educational, rewarding, and most of all it’s fun. - Valerie L.

Position Description

A. Assist the Area Archivist with the duties outlined in their position.
B. Serve one panel as Alternate and succeed Area Archives chair the following panel.
C. Be available to attend the National Alcoholics Anonymous Archives Workshop as current spending plan allows (alt archives attendance prioritized over archives).

Experience, Strength and Hope

Coming soon

Position Description

A. Work with the Technology Chair to run the audio/visual system for hybrid ACMs.
B. Work with the Assembly Host Committee and Alternate Chair to run the sound system at Area Assemblies.
C. Store the Area’s audio, visual, hybrid, and translation equipment (CNIA storage available)
D. Transport necessary equipment to each ACM and Assembly.
E. Work with the Oral Translation Chair to make sure translation equipment is in good working order and available at each ACM and Assembly.

Experience, Strength and Hope

I came into the BTG Appointed Chair position halfway through Panel 74, so it feels as if I am still getting my bearings. My main goal coming into this position was to provide as much information and encouragement as possible to our Districts in starting their Bridging the Gap committees. I encouraged Districts that are close to each other (like Sacramento) to work together. I started our monthly BTG meeting (we meet every 4^th Tuesday) so that we could all meet together and get questions answered. I created a binder for each District that includes some pamphlets and cards that are suggested for presentations in facilities.

Time spent:

• Area assemblies 4x per year
• Monthly BTG meeting via Google Meet
• BTG Workshop Weekend once per year, generally in September
  • This year it is 9/5-9/7 in Ontario, CA
• Receiving and disseminating blue cards
  • This varies, but only takes minutes to do
• Answering emails/texts
  • This varies, but only takes minutes to do
• Attending workshops/District functions when asked
  • So far, I am scheduled to be at the CCF Picnic in August in Elk Grove, CA and a Service Workshop in District 15 in October

I have definitely enjoyed the time spent in this position over the last 6 months. This position is not intended to a chair of a BTG committee, but rather someone who can encourage and foster the growing committees in our Area. I have already seen an explosion of interest among our Districts and look forward to what can come in the future. I believe that anyone who has an interest in Area service can take this position on and thrive.  - Rachel A.

Position Description

A. Support and encourage Bridging the Gap (BTG) activities at all CNIA levels.
B. Maintain and update an inventory of BTG materials, exercising prudence.
C. Update BTG contacts within CNIA and intra-Area contacts.
D. Encourage and support BTG contacts at the local level.
E. Facilitate monthly BTG meetings for district and group BTG representatives.
F. Set up displays at Area Assemblies, District functions, and attend other events that do not conflict with Area functions.
G. Maintain correspondence with the General Service Office.
H. Be available to attend the annual BTG Workshop.
I. Coordinate the annual CNIA BTG Workshop.

Experience, Strength and Hope

As stated in the Area 07 Service Material Book, the GV/LV Chair responsibility is to encourage subscriptions to both Grapevine and La Vina, contact districts and encourage them to appoint GV/LV representatives.  To attend Area, district and other AA events with literature for sale, charging sales tax that applies.  To maintain and prudently update the inventory of books. Also, to maintain a list of GV/LV district and group representatives.

Since accepting the Grapevine/LaVina mid panel, I attended the Winter Assembly and both the Pre and Post Conference Assemblies.   With each event, I have gained much experience and have made many new friends.  And, as I gain the experience, I am being a little better in serving Area 07.   I have made myself available to attend your event, whether it be Unity Day, Anniversary or workshop.

Being appointed mid-panel, leaves me wanting to make myself available to serve as GV/LV representative for the upcoming panel.

Thank you for the opportunity to be of service. -Steve D.

Position Description

A. Promote Grapevine and La Viña sales and subscriptions.
B. Encourage groups and districts to have a Grapevine Representative (GVR) and/or La Viña Representative (LVR).
C. Set up displays at Area Assemblies, District functions, and attend other events that do not conflict with Area functions.
D. Maintain and update an inventory of Grapevine and La Viña material, exercising prudence.
E. Order Grapevine and La Viña material using the Area’s account with AAWS.
F. Charge sales tax for items sold based on the city tax code chart provided by the Area Treasurer.
G. Keep a record of total sales at each event and provide totals by location to the treasurer.
H. Deposit proceeds from sales after each event and provide the treasurer with a copy of the deposit receipt.

Experience, Strength and Hope

Just a few things from our CNIA Service Material handbook.

1. Promote sales of AA- Conference approved Literature and Service Material.
2. Set up displays at Area Assemblies, District Events or Functions.
3. Order from AAWS and maintain inventory.
4. Keep records of Sales for each event and deposit Money in Area Account
5. Always keeping the Treasurer informed of all proceeds and deposits.

As literature Chair I spend about an hour a week checking with AAWS for new literature. Before an Assembly I always make sure that I have stock of everything I need. It normally takes about two hours. When I have an assembly, I pick up all my totes the night before I head out, same for an event. I always get some help.

Setting up well that's a different story as I have English and Spanish. I always go the day before so that I have time to set up my display at an area assembly. It takes me about two hours depending on how many tables literature gets to set up on. If I have only one table I have to go through and put out what sells the most for pamphlets, making sure that the books are out. If there are two tables it's easier to set up, still taking up to two hours. After an assembly or event I spend about two hours taking inventory.

There is a monthly appointed Chair Zoom meeting that is about an hour long. Sometimes it goes over but it's nice to talk with the other chairs. In this position I get to see the language of the heart and our program in action. Even though I may not speak the same language as some, our heart is the same language. I have grown in this position. The experience that I have had has helped me to step outside of my comfort zone.

I'm excited for what comes next and the next Literature Chair will be amazing. -Beth S.

Position Description

Experience, Strength and Hope

Coming soon

Primary Responsibilities

1. Help to Staff and coordinate the Tech Committee
   1. Appointed Chair – Audio Visual (AV). Appointed by the Chair
   2. Current Alt Delegate. Elected by the Area
   3. Google Admin – Recruited by Tech Committee Members
   4. Webmaster – Recruited by Tech Committee Members
   5. On Line Tech Support (at least 2) – Recruited by Tech Committee Members
2. Chair monthly Tech Committee Meeting
   1. Create and process through an agenda of Tech Committee projects/assignments. This includes Web related content/features
   2. Create and post Tech Committee meeting minutes including a summary of discussions, decisions, and assigned action items
3. Ensure and oversee high quality Hybrid/On Line ACMs, Assemblies, and other Area Wide sessions (Delegate report outs, Workshops, etc.)
   1. Align with AV appointed chair and other people to ensure on time delivery and set up of necessary hybrid equipment for all required Hybrid meetings
   2. Maintain an accurate listing of all Area Tech Resources (equipment and software)
   3. Ensure trained members facilitate the in room and on-line facilitation of hybrid sessions.
   4. Ensure Zoom meetings are created and shared (with the person requesting the Zoom meeting) in a timely manner. Encourage the use of Google Meets for as many meetings as possible.
   5. Train people as necessary to properly utilize Area Tech equipment and software tools.
4. Solicit and maintain a list of all Area Tech related issues/improvements. Track and report progress on these monthly.
5. Create necessary report outs for Area Secretary (ACM/Assembly) etc.
6. Propose annual Area Tech budget to Treasurer. Track variances.
7. Engage with AA wide Tech Forums and maintain a relationship with the Tech Leaders of other Areas (primarily CNC 06).

Time Commitments:

Note: Three people at least need to be among the first to arrive and last to leave every ACM and Assembly to set up and tear down tech equipment.

Proposed Required Skills

• Program Management Skills
  • Requirements Management
  • Meeting Facilitation
  • Task Tracking
  • Stakeholder Management
• Online Facilitation skills
  • Zoom
  • Google Meets
• Knowledge of Hybrid Equipment Set Up
  • PC
  • Soundboard
  • Microphones
  • Cameras
• Working knowledge of: (MSFT/Google)
  • Excel/Sheets
  • Word/Docs
  • PowerPoint/Presentation
  • Google Drive
  • Google Calendar
  • G Mail
• Ability and Willingness to Learn
  • Tech Chair doesn’t have to have all the above listed skills but must be willing and able to learn anything related to Area Tech needs.

Audio/Visual Technician – Tom A.

If you are capable of physically moving the Area audio/ video equipment, able to put it all together at the meeting site, and have a working knowledge of technology – this position may be for you!

Overview of the current flow of duties.

On weekends when we have an Assembly or Area Committee Meeting (ACM), the usual service routine looks like this...

• Meet at the storage unit (currently in West Sacramento) and load up all that is needed for that event. Some of the supplies and equipment can be rather heavy and bulky.
• Deliver all the equipment to the venue well in advance of the start of the event. There is much to do once the equipment is in place, we have to set up early to ensure that the on-site and online participants can fully experience the event. This means that you will need to be at the ACM a couple hours before the start and sometimes even the night before to get ready for an Assembly.
• During the event your primary responsible is the proper function of the equipment, if there is a problem it is your duty to get it back in line. During the course of the event, there generally isn’t too much hands-on work to do. Because of this, you will have an opportunity to work with the Technology Chair in understanding the many tasks that the Chair is handling throughout the event. This will be very beneficial for someone looking to serve as Technology Chair the following Panel.
• After the monthly ACM’s and Assemblies, all equipment must be packed up and delivered back to the storage unit in a timely fashion.

In addition, there are currently two monthly online meetings for this position – one with the Appointed Chairs Committee meeting, the other with the Technology Committee meeting. The length of these meetings may vary with circumstances but generally they last about an hour for each meeting.

This position is a new Appointed Chair position so it is in the early stages of what the duties are in serving the Area. The Technology Committee hopes to find someone who is looking to fill the Technology Chair position in the next Panel. The Audio/Video Technician position works closely with the Technology Chair and a lot can be learned in the two years to prepare for the next Panel position.

Thank you for your consideration and service to the California Northern Interior Area.

Tech Committee – Webmaster – Carrie J.

The person assigned to this role has been agreed upon by the Tech Committee the past two panels.  It could also potentially be appointed by the Tech Chair.  It is not a funded position.

I spend an average of about 4 hours a week on my regular service position responsibilities, not including time for travel and attending our monthly ACMs and Assemblies. Some weeks/months are heavier than others.  I am also very comfortable with the platform, so it may take longer for someone just learning.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Maintain the CNIA 07 Area website, including updates, trouble shooting, member contact, etc.
2. Support the Tech Chair in facilitating all Hybrid Area Committee Meetings and Assemblies.
3. Attend monthly Technology Committee meetings online.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in digital tools and platforms, including WordPress, online meeting platforms (Zoom) and Google Workspace (including Google Drive). Some basic technology / software experience (basic computer, word/excel, etc.) will make the position much more accessible.
5. Understand and protect anonymity on all website and online activities.

TASKS

Weekly/Ongoing: Check email, post submitted events on website, maintain Area website calendar, Update announcements panel with current information links

Monthly: Post Accents on website, attend Appointed Chair Meeting, Attend Tech Committee Meeting, Attend ACM or Assembly (usually virtual), post materials submitted by Delegate and Treasurer

Annually: Conference Agenda items, Delegate workshops and report backs – post all relevant information and dates on the website in a timely manner. (Follow up with Delegate as needed). **This is very time sensitive. And would love to see communication emails be sent out as things are posted so the body is aware.

4 times a year: Update the website with Assembly information (including registration link in English/Spanish, flyer, location, hotels, etc), coordinate with Alt-Chair for registration link, post any relevant information for business to be discussed, assign email for new Assembly chair contact. Update and send out Hybrid Assembly instructions to attendees. **Time crunch between Pre and Post Conference Assemblies.

Experience, Strength and Hope

Written Translation – Jorge D.
Summary of My Experience in General Service in Alcoholics Anonymous and How It Has Helped My Growth
My involvement in General Service in Alcoholics Anonymous has been a fundamental part of my recovery and personal growth. Beyond just stopping drinking, service has taught me the value of responsibility, humility, and teamwork.
Through my service in various roles—whether as a GSR, in a public information committee, or helping organize regional events—I’ve learned to listen with empathy, make decisions by group conscience, and put the common good above personal interest. These principles have transformed the way I relate to others, both inside and outside of AA.
Service has shown me that staying sober doesn’t just depend on what I get from the program, but also on what I’m willing to give. It has helped strengthen my commitment to recovery, stay connected to AA’s original message, and grow spiritually by practicing the principles in all my affairs.
Today, I can honestly say that service has not only helped me stay sober, but also given me a greater purpose: to be useful to others. That has been one of the greatest rewards of the
program.