Spanish 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. 
  • Must be fluent in speaking and writing Spanish and English.
  • 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.

Official Duties and Responsibilities

  • Is the link between the WSO, SCWS Area, District Representatives and AIS Coordinators, exchanging ideas and information, working to carry the Al-Anon message to all Spanish Groups.
  • Represents the Spanish groups’ interests to SCWS and represents SCWS/WSO/Al-Anon policies and procedures clearly and accurately to Spanish groups.
  • Distributes information received from the WSO to the Districts.
  • Receives emails from the WSO with inquiries and requests related to the Spanish Community.
  • Monitors and participates in Spanish Outreach Coordinator’s AFG Connects postings.
  • Creates ways to reach all Spanish Groups and encourage representation and participation at the District Meetings, Assemblies and Area events.
  • Works with the AIS/LDC Coordinator to ensure that any and all Spanish AIS offices are participating in, and represented at, the Area level.
  • Organizes translation at all Assemblies and Area World Service Committee (AWSC) Meetings, and other Area-related activities.
  • Provide translation from English to Spanish of any SCWS documents requested by the Area Chair and other officers as needed.
  • Cooperates with all Al-Anon Information Offices (AIS) to address policies and procedures affecting Spanish-speaking members, as appropriate.
  • Available to attend Spanish AIS meetings, when appropriate.
  • Work with all Area Coordinators to facilitate clear communication with Spanish-language Al-Anon (including Alateen) meetings.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact with WSO for Spanish Public Outreach and AFG Connects. Communicate 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 presentations in both Spanish and English 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

Translate Area documents and emails, as needed

3-8 hrs/monthly

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

8 times/year

Special projects and participation in Spanish events

As needed

Preparation

  • Meet with the outgoing Spanish Coordinator for materials turnover, orientation, and training, as needed.
  • Read Guidelines G-38, Area Public Outreach Coordinator and G-10, Al-Anon/Alateen Public Outreach Service.
  • 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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