Immediate Past Delegate 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
Most recent Delegate, past or current District Representative (DR). 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. Does not concurrently hold any other position in Al-Anon service beyond the Group level. Active member of Al-Anon in CA(S) for at least five years, 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
- Attends all SCWS Area Assembly meetings, AWSC meetings, and Board meetings, as called by Area Chairperson.
- May attend Area Officer meetings if requested by Area Officers.
- Will be available to review Area-wide and WSO communications with other Area Officers prior to transmittal.
- Actively develops a strong working relationship with Area Board, providing guidance and assistance when needed.
- Attends annual Southwest Regional Delegates’ Meeting (SWRDM), Area Sharing of Service (SOS) workshop, and supports Area activities and events
Basic Skills, Personal Qualities, and Experience Needed
- Effective written, oral and electronic communication skills, time management, strong organizational skills.
- Proficient in using spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation software, accessing and navigating websites, web-based virtual meeting platforms, downloading web documents, and using email with attachments.
- Strong sense of responsibility, able to prioritize, meet deadlines while managing high priority tasks and work independently or as a team member.
- Has thorough working knowledge of KBDM.
- Able to separate opinion from fact.
- Able to support and effectively communicate Area and WSC decisions and their implementation objectively, even if not in personal agreement with the group conscience.
Additional Skills Needed
Has critical and creative thinking, objectivity, flexibility, listening and analysis skills.
Equipment and Technology Needed
Access to computer, printer, Internet connection. Participates in conference calls and online meetings.
Realistic Time Commitment of this Position
- Responsible for organizing and chairing the SCWS Area Bylaws Committee. The Bylaws Committee is made up of SCWS Area Past Delegates, who may/may not be currently residing in our Area.
- Regularly and promptly responds to Area-related emails, phone calls and may participate in conference calls.
- Reads / responds to information posted on AFG Connects, sharing relevant information with Area.
- Travels to District, Intergroup and Area meetings to make presentations regarding Area matters if needed/requested by Area Chairperson/Delegate.
- Assists with conflict resolution process at Area meetings, as requested.
- Additional time commitment to attend Area meetings. Board meetings, Area World Service Committee meetings, and Area Assemblies.
Preparation
- Maintains log of suggested revisions, clarifications, and information to be added to the SCWS Area Bylaws
- Works with Bylaws Committee to prepare draft of Bylaw updates.
- Assists with preparing the updated Bylaws presentation for the AWSC and Assembly, to be presented during their term.
- Assists with writing materials for Area Thought Force/Task Force assignments, researching and writing reports for SCWS Committee and Assembly Meetings, District and Intergroup Meetings as needed.
Travel
Annual Southwest Regional Delegates Meeting (SWRDM). Makes own travel arrangements within budget guidelines.
Other
Immediate Past Delegate must be willing to support the group conscience of the Area, WSC or Board of Trustees’ decisions even if not in personal agreement with the group conscience and does so with the help of the Traditions and/or Concepts of Service.
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