Literature Coordinator

The elected Officers and the appointed Coordinators (3-year term) are the Service Panel members of the Southern California World Service (SCWS) Assembly. The Coordinators act in accordance with the spiritual principles of Al-Anon Family Groups while conducting the duties of their position for the Area. The Coordinators 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

  • Must reside in the Southern California Area during their entire panel term.
  • Must be in good financial standing with the Area.
  • Past or current Group Representative experience is preferred but not necessary.
  • Active member of Al-Anon in CA(S) with good organizational skills and ability to pay attention to detail. 
  • Should have a thorough understanding of the 12 Steps, Traditions, and Concepts, current Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual, Knowledge-Based Decision-Making (KBDM), Area and World Service structure, SCWS Policies and Procedures Handbook, and SCWS Bylaws. 
  • Must maintain confidentiality of non-public information.
  • Able to communicate effectively, including planning and preparing public presentations to carry the message.
  • Able to prioritize and work independently and as a team member. 
  • Willing to work cohesively with other Service Panel members.
  • Able to separate opinion from facts and remain impartial and neutral.
  • Can support and effectively communicate Area and World Service Conference (WSC) decisions and their implementation objectively, even if not in personal agreement with the group conscience.  
  • Is accessible, available, responsive, and flexible.
  • Ability to lift and carry a box (of literature) that weighs approximately 20 pounds. 

Official Duties and Responsibilities

  • Serve as the primary contact and link between the WSO and membership regarding new Conference Approved Literature (CAL), and changes and updates to CAL. 
  • Monitors and participates in AFG Connects postings in order to keep Area informed of CAL activities around the country.
  • Act as a resource for Area on CAL and inform the WSO about Area Literature activities, such as Writing Workshops.
  • Participate in e-communities and literature conference calls for Area Literature Coordinators twice a year. 
  • Maintain/update, store and set up a CAL Display at SCWS events. 
  • Create enthusiasm for use of CAL. 
  • Become familiar with CAL approval process and policies on reprint, copyrights and trademarks. 
  • Encourage members to write sharings for ongoing and new CAL Projects. 
  • Encourage and inform GRs regarding use of CAL by members, Groups and Districts. 
  • Be available to attend District, Intergroup and Group events when invited in order to share with enthusiasm the experience, strength and hope of our literature. 
  • Become familiar with how the Area’s Literature Distribution Centers operate. Establish relationships with AIS/LDC office staff and Boards. Collaborate with AIS/LDC Coordinator regarding literature issues.
  • Set up literature display at Assemblies (does not sell CAL). Single pieces of CAL and Displays stored in SCWS storage facility. Keep ongoing inventory of CAL in storage facility for use at Area meetings.
  • Contact WSO before each Assembly for new literature items as their periodic mailing does not correspond with the date of our meeting.
  • Arranges for interested Al-Anon Information Offices/Literature Distribution Centers (AIS/LDCs) to sell current Service Manual and other CAL at Assembly meetings.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact with WSO for Literature and AFG Connects. Communicates with Area Officers and others about these matters, as appropriate.
  • Present oral report for each SCWS Service Panel meeting, AWSC meeting, and Assembly, and include written report in  SCWS Bulletin.
  • Attend all SCWS regularly-scheduled and/or special Area meetings (i.e., Service Panel, AWSC, Assemblies, Sharing of Service (SOS), see schedule below) both in-person and/or virtual formats. 
  • Reply to all emails within 48 to 72 hours. Participate fully and promptly in any phone calls, email discussions, assignments, and other conference calls or Zoom meetings.

Equipment, Technology and Skills Required

  • Computer, printer, scanner, high-speed internet access, and use of appropriate software and Google apps. (Software provided by Area.)
  • Must be adept with email (especially handling attachments); creating and modifying documents using Google apps.
    • Prepares written reports and meets deadlines.
    • Protects security and confidentiality of documents and information.

Anticipated Time Commitment of this Position

Respond to email (> 2-3 times / week) and routine processing

1-3 hours/week

Attend outreach events and workshops, as needed

3-8 hrs/monthly

Attend Service Panel, AWSC meetings, Assembly, SOS (6 to 7 hours each + travel time)

8 times/year

Assemblies: set up literature display and coordinate literature sales with AIS/LDC office

1-2 hrs/per Assembly

Special projects: set up literature display, as needed

1-2 hrs/per event

Preparation

  • Contact WSO before each Assembly for new items as their periodic mailing does not correspond with the date of our meetings. 
  • Read Guideline G-6, Area Literature Coordinators.
  • Meet with the outgoing Literature Coordinator for materials turnover, orientation, and training, as needed.
  • Detailed procedures will be provided at the Turnover Meeting.

Reimbursements

  • Mileage incurred in travel to required Area meetings (see table below) are reimbursable at current approved mileage rate (with required documentation).
  • Needed supplies and materials reimbursed by Area, with required documentation.
  • Reimbursement requests are due within 45 days after the expenditure and must include all receipts and appropriate documentation, using the Expense and Mileage Reimbursement Request Form.
  • May claim reimbursement for one approved service event outside the SCWS Area during three-year term. The form for requesting a service panel event is on the password-protected section of the scws-al-anon.org website. (Makes own travel arrangements within budget guidelines.) Written report of experience must be submitted with reimbursement form.

Mandatory Area Meeting Attendance

Meetings Months Days Time
SCWS Service Panel January, May, July, October Saturday 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Area World Service Committee (AWSC) February, August 3rd Saturday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Area Assemblies May, November 3rd Saturday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Encouraged Area Meeting Attendance

Meetings Months Days Time
Sharing of Service (SOS) January 3rd Saturday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Longtimer's Event Last Year of 3-year Panel 3rd Saturday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Revised: 08/2026

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