Northern California Regional Service Committee RCM Orientation Orientation

Northern California Regional Service Committee RCM Orientation

Orientation Topics: n Welcome to the Regional Service Office n People you should know (and why you should know them) n A Quick Overview of the NA Service Structure n Elements of the Regional Service Structure n A look ahead to today’s RSC (Breaking down the Agenda) n Additional resources (to help you do your job)

Welcome to the Regional Service Office: Our Regional Service Office: n n n Provides the distribution of NA literature to Areas, Groups, and members in Northern California Provides a central, permanent location for the RSC, RSO Board, NCCNA and H&I/PR to meet regularly Serves as storage for Convention merchandise and equipment as well as the Regions records and archives

Welcome to the Regional Service Office: Things to consider while at the RSO: n n The photocopier is for Regional Reports and information. It is not the appropriate place to make several hundred fliers for an area event! There are certain areas of the RSO that we ask members not to venture into without permission from a Board member. We do have literature, merchandise and equipment that must be treated the same as cash Remember that the RSO holds several committee meetings, and our Special workers spend their weekdays here; so let’s keep the office clean! This is our Fellowships office; we want everyone to feel comfortable and welcome. If there is something you need, please ask us!

People You should Know: RSC Chair and Vice Chair: n • The RSC Chair and Vice Chair can help you with any additional orientation, procedural questions, access to guidelines, or facilitation of requests from your area. They can also put you in touch with the right person to assist you with any special needs you may have Current RSC Chair: Jon B – American River Area Current RSC Vice Chair: Frank W – Peninsula Area RSO Board Representative: n • The BOD Rep can help you with any facilities needs during your visit. Also, the BOD Rep can help with any insurance questions or concerns you may have regarding a meeting or area event, as well as fulfillment of literature orders Current BOD Rep: Sue L – Mission Peak Area

People You should Know: Regional Delegate and Alternate: n • The RD and RDA are your connection to NA World Services and NA as a whole. They serve as your primary resource and point of contact regarding all aspects of NA World Services and the rest of the fellowship outside of Northern California. They strive to keep you informed of all the developments in NA and are available for workshops or guidance on a variety of NA Service Issues Current RD: Lenny R – San Francisco Area Current RD Alternate: Matt S – San Francisco Area Regional PR Coordinators: n • The RSC provides 2 coordinators to serve as resources and mentors for the provision of PR services throughout the Region. The coordinators assist areas in coordinating PR workshops/learning days and provide ongoing PR training & education for members throughout the Region. If your area needs assistance in interfacing with the public, these are the people that have their hands on the resources and can help you Current PR Coordinator: Rory B – American River Area Current PR Coordinator: Vacant

People You should Know: Regional H&I Chair and Vice Chair: n • The H&I Chair and Vice Chair can help you with anything your local H&I subcommittee might need and can also help if your area is having difficulties serving a prison or other large facility. Like the PR coordinators, the H&I Chair and Vice Chair are available to provide ongoing training and mentoring in all aspects of H&I service through workshops and learning days Current H&I Chair: Ginny N – Contra Costa Area Current H&I Vice Chair: Vacant NCCNA Rep: n • The NCCNA Rep can help you with any questions or concerns regarding the Northern California Regional Convention; including questions about the process for areas to submit bids to host an NCCNA subcommittee. The NCCNA subcommittee is also a great repository of events experience and the NCCNA Rep may be able to provide some guidance on any event-related issues your area may be having Current NCCNA Rep: Paul D – Peninsula Area

People You should Know: n Your Fellow RCMs! Every RCM had their first Regional meeting at one point. Many are now knowledgeable RSC veterans that can assist you in navigating your new adventure. A benefit of the size and diversity of the Northern California Region is that the RCMs represent a dynamic cross-section of hard-won NA service experience from different NA Communities. You may find the best answers and insights from the RCM sitting right next to you, even if their area is 300 miles away!

A Quick Overview of the NA Service Structure: • 14, 000 + weekly meetings in Northern California turn to 21 Area Service Committees to provide local services • The NCRSC Provides coordination amongst the areas and provides resources so they may provide direct services to the Groups • The Northern California Region is one of 70+ regions seated at the World Service Conference, a biennial gathering of delegates from around the world that takes action on issues concerning NA as a Whole; providing direction to the World Board Group Area Group Area Northern California RSC World Service Conference Group Area

A Quick Overview of the NA Service Structure: n Our Regional Neighbors:

Elements of the Regional Service Structure: NCRSC: n • Consists of 2 RCMs from each Area, the H&I Chair & Vice Chair, 2 PR Coordinators, 1 RSO BOD Representative , 1 NCCNA Representative, and 7 members of the Regional Administrative Committee. All together, this could total 55 People! • The RSC has embraced the spirit of the 7 th Concept for NA Service and recognizes both RCMS from each area as full voting participants. Although some areas choose to distinguish between RCMS using terms such as “alternate” or “Senior/Junior” RCM for continuity of experience, no such distinctions are made at the Regional Level • All members of the RSC bear substantial responsibility for Regional Services and fully participate in the decision making process. The only exception is when a motion is directly referred to Areas. In these instances, only the RCMs, carrying a direct conscience from their area, vote on that decision. Northern California RSC

Elements of the Regional Service Structure: NCRSC: n • The RSC does not provide any direct “hands-on” services and functions more as an assembly than as a committee in the classic sense. If you’re not good with “Robert’s Rules of Order, ” you’ll be relieved to discover that voting on motions is a very small part of what we do here • The RSC serves primarily as a forum for sharing experience, strength and hope, providing guidance and direction for regional services and assisting the areas. Forum discussion of Area, Regional, and, occasionally, World, issues is the part of the RSC that seems to be the most valuable for our members • The RSC occasionally meets in some of our geographically isolated areas, usually upon that areas request, as a show of unity and a gesture to offset a small part of the travel burden these areas face on a monthly basis Northern California RSC

Elements of the Regional Service Structure: RSC Administrative Committee: n • The Administrative Committee is much like your Area Administrative Committee, consisting of a Chairperson, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Regional Delegate and Regional Delegate Alternate • The Administrative Committee meets monthly, usually just prior to the RSC and keeps abreast of regional, area and world issues in their discussions; ensuring that the RSC is fully informed and that we are all looking at the “big picture. ” Members of the Administrative committee are appointed liaisons to each Regional Subcommittee to act as the “voice” of the RSC when the RSC is not in session. The administrative committee has been granted authority to handle critical or time-sensitive decisions that may need to be made between meetings of the RSC. • Unlike other members, who only serve for 1 year terms in their positions, the RD and RD Alternate serve for 2 year terms. This is based on the fact that the WSC meets every 2 years and considerable service experience is required to be an effective RD. Although it hasn’t happened yet, a person could serve as RD Alternate and then RD for up to 8 years! Northern California RSC Admin

Elements of the Regional Service Structure: RSO Board of Directors: n • The RSO Board is comprised of 9 members, 3 of whom are directly elected annually by the RSC and 6 who are selected from a pool of candidates screened by the RSC to serve for 2 year terms. The Board meets monthly, usually on the first Saturday of the Month, to manage literature distribution, convention finances & contracts, the regional insurance policy, office facilities and equipment, and other tasks as requested by the RSC • NCSRO, Inc. is a California not-for-profit 501 C. (3) corporation. We entrust all of the Regions legal and insurance issues, as well as financial management of the Convention to the BOD. Although NCRSO, Inc. is an incorporated business, the Board remains fully accountable to the NCRSC • In keeping with the Eight Tradition, the RSO Employs “Special Workers”. These are individuals that may or may not be NA Members, but who work for the RSO as paid employees during the work week. Our special workers primarily fill literature orders, but they do a variety of other tasks as well to help us provide services to NA in Northern California RSC NCRSO RSC Admin

Elements of the Regional Service Structure: NCCNA: n • The NCCNA subcommittee is comprised of 23 members, 17 of whom are elected directly from the RSC to serve 2 year terms, and 6 of whom who are elected by the Areas awarded Programming, Host, and Registration subcommittee bids. • NCCNA plans, organizes and facilitates the Northern California Regional Convention; historically one of the largest and best-managed conventions in NA. In addition to planning the current years convention, the committee is always looking ahead several years at facilities for upcoming conventions, an increasingly difficult task as we continue to grow! • Convention finances are managed by NCRSO on behalf of the RSC. Therefore the Convention finds itself needing to answer to both bodies. Accordingly, both the RSC and RSO Liaisons to NCCNA are full voting members of the convention committee and NCCNA sends either their Chair or Vice Chair to both the RSC and RSO Board meetings Northern California RSC NCRSO NCCNA RSC Admin

Elements of the Regional Service Structure: PR Coordinators: n • The RSC Elects 2 PR Coordinators annually in June. The PR Coordinators serve as Northern California's resource of experience and information on all aspects of Public Relations service. The coordinators provide training and education to strengthen Area PR efforts by facilitating workshops, learning days and training sessions. The Coordinators also host an open “PR Forum” held on the second Saturday of even numbered months at the RSO. The forum allows for communication and coordination of Area PR efforts, and training sessions on various PR related topics. The Coordinators also help area PR efforts by providing a booth for area events and assisting wherever requested Northern California RSC NCRSO NCCNA PR Coordinators (2) RSC Admin

Elements of the Regional Service Structure: H &I Chair/Vice Chair: n • The H&I Chair and Vice Chair facilitate the Regional H&I Subcommittee. They take an active role in facilitating workshops, learning days and training sessions to strengthen area H&I efforts. The H&I Chair and Vice Chair are available to assist coordination of H&I efforts in large State, Federal , or geographically isolated facilities that may be too demanding on the resources of any one area alone. Additionally, the H&I Chair and Vice Chair maintain a small literature fund to help area H&I subcommittees with temporary shortfalls. Northern California RSC NCRSO NCCNA PR Coordinators (2) RSC Admin H&I Chair & V Chair

A look ahead to today's RSC: Agenda: n n n n n Introductions and Birthdays Area Reports Area Forum Regional Reports Regional Forum “Just for Today” Reading Roll Call/Quorum Count and approval of Minutes Old Business & Elections New Business This sounds like a big order, and we couldn’t do it all at once, so we do take breaks!

A look ahead to today's RSC: Area Reports: Ø Ø Area Reports are your opportunity to stand up at the microphone (don’t be too intimidated, we all have to do it !) and tell us the highlights of what’s going on in your area. This is also the time to ask that an issue you or your area would like to have discussed be placed on the “Area Forum” part of the agenda The most effective reports focus on the “highlights of the highlights. ” Getting into too much detail regarding routine monthly finances or arealevel business will lose your audiences attention. All of these facts can be included in your written report for the minutes. Try to focus on the “Big Picture” when giving your verbal report!

A look ahead to today's RSC: Area Reports: Ø Ø You will be asked to email your report to the RSC Secretary. The Secretary has to compile reports from up to 21 areas, as well as 11 administrative/subcommittee reports, and needs to make sure the record is accurate. This isn’t meant as homework or punishment! The RSC provides a template “Area Report Form” to help you get started. These should be on the counter at the RSO and are also available from the RSC Secretary. However, These forms haven’t been revised in many years and ask for a lot of the minutiae that may put your audience to sleep. Use judgment as to how much detail you want to provide on routine matters. Save the details for the “Juicy” stuff; you know we’ll want to hear all of those!

A look ahead to today's RSC: Area Forum: Ø Ø Area Forum is just what it sounds like. It’s a special block of time (at least 30 minutes), set aside in the agenda for free and open sharing of issues or challenges facing any of our areas. This is your opportunity to get feedback on a challenge your area is facing The focus of this forum is on local issues affecting your area. This is the time to get into grass-roots NA Service; applying our principles to challenging real-world situations. Take advantage of this opportunity to hear the experience of other RCMs. This is the part of the meeting where we find out we don’t have to face adversity on our own!

A look ahead to today's RSC: Regional Reports: Ø At this point in the Agenda , you will hear and receive written copies of reports from: Ø Ø Ø NCRSC Chair NCRSC Vice Chair NCRSC Secretary NCRSC Treasurer NCRSC Assistant Treasurer Northern California RD-Alternate NCSRO Board of Directors NCCNA (Convention Committee) Public Relations (PR) Coordinators H&I Chair/Vice Chair

A look ahead to today's RSC: Regional Reports: Ø Ø We recognize this is a lot of reports and this can be a difficult stretch in the agenda for some of us to sit through. We too are always trying to keep our verbal reports brief when possible; keeping in mind that we give you all the details in writing. We ask your patience as we try to ensure you have all the pertinent information to do your job! Our Regional Trusted Servants will gladly answer any questions you may have at the conclusion of our reports. Don’t be afraid to seek clarification if we didn’t explain something well or if we slipped in an unfamiliar acronym. If you’re wondering, chances are someone else in the room is as well. We will also give you a list of common acronyms as an additional orientation tool

A look ahead to today's RSC: Regional Forum: Ø Ø Regional Forum is the time to discuss issues we are facing at the Regional level. This forum is often used to provide any guidance we need to give to our Regional trusted servants or committees; based on what we believe is in the collective best interest of the fellowship. Occasionally we will also use this time to discuss world service issues that may be raised by the Regional Delegates in their reports

Just for Today Reading: We strategically insert a “Just for Today” Daily Meditation Reading just prior to the Business session to hopefully keep us in touch with ourselves during the business process!

A look ahead to today's RSC: Roll Call/ Quorum Count: Ø Ø During the roll call the Secretary will ask you to specify whether you have “one” or “two” RCMs Present. This is done to get both the number of areas present (which determines quorum) and a count on the total number of participants (which determines the majorities needed to pass a given motion) 2/3 rds of the 21 seated Areas in Northern California (14) must be present with at least one RCM to conduct business. This defines our quorum One half +1 of the total participants present will be required for motions needing a simple majority. At least 2/3 rds of the participants (always rounding up) will be required for motions that seek to alter any Regional policies or guidelines The RSC chair will report these numbers to you so we all are operating from the same playbook

A look ahead to today's RSC: Elections: Ø Ø Ø The RSC is responsible for 7 Administrative Committee Positions, 9 members of the BOD, 20 NCCNA Members, 2 PR Coordinators, and 2 H&I Co-Chairs. Elections tend to be a year-round phenomena Every Month at 5 PM we suspend the agenda to allow candidates for regional positions to qualify. This is done in consideration for members who may travel a long distance just to qualify for a regional election All candidates fill out a written “NCRSC Service Resume”. The resume is for voting participants to review and ask a candidate questions about their service history. All resumes will be returned to the candidate or destroyed at the conclusion of qualifications. Resumes should not be taken outside the RSC without permission from the candidate – think of them as job applications!

A look ahead to today's RSC: Elections: Ø Ø Ø Elections are conducted by written ballot and the vote count is known only to 2 impartial vote counters and the RSC Chair. The us of a confidential ballot rather than a “show of hands” and not releasing numbers helps protect the integrity of the process by ensuring “Principles before Personalities” and helping prevent peoples feelings from getting hurt Prior to any qualifications, the RSC Chair will inform the body of the duties and qualifications for the position being considered. Depending on the type of election, the method of filling out your ballot may differ. The RSC Chair will explain these nuances to you and you will usually be provided with different colored ballots to emphasize the distinction in voting practices

A look ahead to today's RSC: Old and New business: Ø Ø Ø Although a small part of our agenda, this is nonetheless the time where we utilize a form of “Roberts Rules. ” The Chair will try to go slowly and make sure we’re all on the same page. Speak up and ask for clarification if you are unsure of a procedure. Chances are if you’re confused, your not the only one All motions are copied and distributed to you prior to the business session. This will help you follow along in the heat of the moment as well as have an accurate copy of the verbiage to report to your area Prior to voting on a motion, the Chair will tell you whether the motion requires a simple majority or 2/3 rds majority to pass. At the conclusion of the vote count, the chair will announce the voting numbers in addition to signifying whether the motion passed or failed

Other Resources: Ø Ø Ø You will receive a CD ROM containing the latest RSC, RSO, NCCNA, PR, and H&I Guidelines, as well as several common forms. You are not expected to be an expert on all of these, but taking the time to familiarize yourself with the RSC guidelines will enhance your understanding and experience A list of common Acronyms (such as NAWS, IDT, CAR, APT, et. ) will also be made available to you. If your not sure what we’re talking about when we employ these shortcuts, ask! (By now you should be getting theme that if you’re not sure, you’re probably not the only one!) Finally, the most important resource here are the people. Many of us have formed long lasting friendships as a result of our shared experience in Regional Service. If you ever felt alone as the die-hard “service enthusiast” in your area, you will find here a community of addicts that are just like you! You’re going to get a roster of everyone's number and email address, and length of RSC experience. Like we say in our meetings “Get phone numbers and use them!”

Acronym Guide TERM ALTERNATI VE TERM USED DEFINITION ASC Area Service Committee ASR RCM Area Service Representative BOD Board of Directors CAR Conference Agenda Report CAT Conference Approval Track GSR Group Service Representative GSR Alt. Group Service Representative Alternate H&I Hospitals and Institutions IP Informational Pamphlets NA Narcotics Anonymous NAWS Narcotics Anonymous World Services NCCNA Northern California Convention of Narcotics Anonymous

Acronym Guide TERM ALTERNATI VE TERM USED DEFINITION NCRSC Northern California Regional Service Committee NCRSO RSC Northern California Regional Service Office PI Public Information PR Public Relations RCM ASR Regional Committee Member RD RSR Regional Delegate RDA Regional Delegate Alternate RSC NCRSC Regional Service Committee RSO NCRSO Regional Service Office RSR RD Regional Service Representative WB World Board WCNA World Convention Narcotics Anonymous WSC World Service Conference WSLD Western Service Learning Day WSO World Service Office

Thank You for Choosing to do Regional Service. As an RCM you are full participant of the Regional Service Committee and a valuable member of the Regional team!