AIS/LDC Coordinator Job Description

The elected Officers and appointed Coordinators (3-year term) are the Board members of Southern California World Service of AFG, Inc., a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation and a charitable 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity per the Internal Revenue Service. SCWS Officers must live within the California South Area during their entire term. The officers act in accordance with the spiritual principles of Al-Anon Family Groups while conducting the prudent management of the Area. The Officers accept additional demands on their time and possess some special skills relevant to their position. Members of Al-Anon in SCWS who also are members of A.A. are ineligible to hold Al-Anon service positions that vote in matters affecting another group or Al-Anon or A.A. as a whole.

Eligibility and Qualifications

Is accessible, available, responsive, and is able to communicate effectively, prepare written documents and meet deadlines. Must be in good financial standing with the Area. Continues to be an active member of Al-Anon in CA(S), with working knowledge of the 12 Steps, Traditions and Concepts, current Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual and Knowledge-Based Decision-Making (KBDM). Has an understanding of the Area and World Service structure. Must maintain confidentiality of non-public information.

Official Duties and Responsibilities

  • Serves as the primary contact between the Area and the Area’s Information Service Offices (AISs) and Literature Distribution Centers (LDCs) and their respective decision-making entities (i.e., Boards, Oversight Committees, Area Liaison to AWSC, etc.).
  • Expected to attend at least one (1) Intergroup or Board meeting of each of the AIS/LDCs once a year and create ongoing communication network with appropriate person(s) at each AIS/LDC including, but not limited to, the Area AIS Liaison, if there is one.
  • Communicates regularly with the Area Group Records Coordinator (GRC) to assure that all policies and procedures regarding group records as determined by WSO and the Area/SCWS are being followed by the AIS/LDCs and are working as collaboratively as possible.
  • Work with the GRC and AIS/LDCs to assure that all AIS/LDCs are using one numerical identification system for all meetings (WSO ID number). Work with AIS/LDCs and Area Literature Coordinator to assure that literature is readily and easily available to all Area members.
  • Become familiar with the history and evolution of the SCWS policy: Southern California Policy for resolving Group and Member Concerns.
  • Represent the Area/SCWS, as appropriate, in any local discussions regarding this Policy.
  • Communicate with the Officers/Board when questions and concerns arise regarding the Policy.

Basic Skills, Personal Qualities, and Experience Needed

A professional, enthusiastic and friendly attitude. Is accessible, available, responsive, and flexible. Is able to communicate effectively about Area policies and procedures and engage in productive dialogue with AIS/LDC staff (when appropriate) and decision-makers, while aware of issues of double-headed management and AIS/LDC autonomy.

Able to differentiate policy issues from procedural issues and engage with AIS/LDC decision-makers and the SCWS Board on policy issues so that all of the pertinent service arms are collaborating, and are coordinating their roles smoothly and efficiently.

Additional Skills Needed

Has a strong sense of responsibility, able to prioritize and work independently or as a team member. Previous service as an Information Service Representative (ISR) is preferred. Sensitive to and knowledgeable about the history of AIS/LDCs in the Area. Adept at listening to unique concerns of each AIS/LDC in order to coordinate their policies with Area so that they are convergent.

Equipment and Technology Needed

Access to computer, printer, Internet connection. Participates in conference calls and online meetings.

Realistic Time Commitment of this Position

Time commitment is flexible, depending on when AIS/LDCs meet throughout the year. Must be available during the hours the various AIS/LDC decision-makers are available, including weekdays. Additional time should be allotted to attend meetings: Committee Meetings and Assemblies (6-7 hrs), Board Meetings (4-6 hrs).

Preparation

Become familiar with the Area policy regarding Groups That Do Not Consider Al-Anon as a Whole. Become familiar with Area group records procedures and policies. Identify staff and decision-makers at AIS/LDCs and when they meet. Have an understanding of AFG’s Three Legacies and the current Service Manual.

Travel

Attend at least one (1) AIS/LDC meeting each year. Attends one service event outside SCWS Area during three-year term. Makes own travel arrangements, within budget guidelines.

Meetings

Meetings Months Days Time
Officers January, February, April, May, July, August, October and/or as needed Saturdays or Sundays, as agreed 3 to 6 hours, as needed
SCWS Board January, May, July, October 3rd Saturday or to be determined 9:00am to 3:00pm
Area World Service Committee (AWSC) + new DR Orientation February, August 3rd Saturday and 1st Saturday (New DR Orientation) 9:00am to 4:00pm 10:00am to 12:00pm (New DR Orientation)
Area Assemblies + new GR Orientation May, November 3rd Saturday 1st Saturday (New GR Orientation) 9:00am to 4:00pm 10:00am to 12:00pm (New GR Orientation)
Sharing of Service (SOS) January 3rd Saturday 10:00am to 4:00pm
Longtimer's Event Last year of 3-year panel 3rd Saturday 10:00am to 4:00pm

Revised: 09/2024

Scroll to Top