At some point in our recovery journey, many of us begin to have questions about how decisions are made in S-Anon—why are things the way they are? What if I have a suggestion for change? Or maybe we have ideas about how S-Anon can provide services—how can I use my skillsets to help give back? Wouldn’t it be great if we [insert a really great idea here]?
When we ask these questions, members are generally directed to the S-Anon/S-Ateen Service Manual, Service Literature, or the Member Site to help find answers. There may be others in the program we have come to admire for their service, and we might ask their perspective on how to become involved. Sometimes it takes another member encouraging us to step into service—whether that is a sponsor or fellow member who has experienced the benefits that service can have on one’s personal recovery—who can help an idea become a reality.
While there are no short and simple answers to the questions above—there are many layers to the S-Anon Service Structure—we are here to provide some practical information on how S-Anon members can participate on the Board of Trustees Standing Committees, a source from which many initiatives, ideas, and resources for the fellowship begin.
Before we get started, it is important to note that S-Anon is where it is today because of the volunteers who have come before us and those who provide service today. Because our spiritual principles guide us to stay democratic in thought and to honor rotation of service, the time it takes to see a project through to completion may not always be on the timeline we would like. We approach service work trusting that the fellowship is exactly where it needs to be in this moment. Isn’t this where we all hoped to find ourselves when we came into recovery?
The S-Anon Board of Trustees currently has eight active Standing Committees and a handful of sub-committees looking for hands on deck and fresh ideas. All committees meet once a month via Zoom and work on various projects throughout the month individually and through email with other committee members.
Public Information and Outreach Committee
When: 4th Wednesday of the month, 7:30pm CST
Committee Purpose: Act as liaison between S-Anon and the general population with the goal of increasing awareness of the S-Anon program.
Current Number of Members: 5
Current and Upcoming Projects: Research social media, create and publish information resources for counselors and mental health professionals and those affected by legal issues, create two more Public Service Announcement videos, provide assistance and support in the development of service structure areas outside of North America.
Subcommittees: Corrections Subcommittee and Global Coordination Subcommittee
Committee Member Qualifications: No specific requirements; public relations/marketing related skills such as advertising, graphic design, videography, script writing, writing skills, or familiarity with social media, are a plus.
How to Join: Contact Chairperson
Chairperson: Robin A., [email protected]
S-Ateen Committee
When: 2nd Saturday of the month, 8:00am CST; Once a quarter, 2nd Sunday of the month, 2:30pm CST
Committee Purpose: Provide guidance and support to anyone seeking an S-Ateen group and to S-Ateen groups including the administration of training and certification of S-Ateen Group Sponsors.
Current Number of Members: 6
Current and Upcoming Projects: Support the growth of in-person and virtual S-Ateen meetings, review and update S-Ateen Service Literature and S-Ateen Safety Guidelines, and maintain the S-Ateen Online Community.
Committee Member Qualifications: No specific requirements; all S-Anon members were once teens.
How to Join: Contact the WSO [email protected] to be connected with a member of the S-Ateen Committee.
Chairperson: Vacant
Policy and Service Communications Committee
When: 4th Monday of the month, 7:00pm CST
Committee Purpose: Examination of issues and questions that affect S-Anon as a whole and review of Service Literature.
Current Number of Members: 4
Current and Upcoming Projects: Review and make recommendations to the BOT on issues that affect S-Anon as a whole, review and comment on all writing destined for the SSSM, review service literature and motions submitted for consideration by the World Service Conference, and develop a process for the maintenance and update of the S-Anon/S-Ateen Service Manual.
Committee Member Qualifications: Members need to have completed the Steps with a sponsor, and ideally, also the Traditions. Willingness to study the Twelve Concepts of Service and the S-Anon/S-Ateen Service Manual is also suggested.
How to Join: Interested members need to submit a service resume to the committee for review. An invitation to join is extended after consideration and approval by the committee. Contact the WSO [email protected] to get started.
Chairperson: Vacant
Literature Committee
When: Editors meet 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7:00pm CST; Readers work independently reviewing and providing input on draft literature.
Committee Purpose: Ensure that every aspect of the S-Anon program of recovery is presented in adequate, comprehensive, and consistent written material.
Current Number of Members: 8 Editors, 20 Readers
Current and Upcoming Projects: Work continues on Along the Journey, Into the Light, Healing in Relationships with our Children, and the S-Anon Twelve Concepts of Service.
Subcommittees: French Translations Subcommittee and Spanish Translations Subcommittee
Committee Member Qualifications: Members who have worked the S-Anon Steps with a sponsor or Step study group, serve as a sponsor themselves, have studied or are familiar with the Twelve Traditions, and have a willingness to learn how to apply the Steps, Traditions, and Concepts in various situations. A background in writing, editing, or publishing may be helpful but is not necessary.
How to Join: Interested members can contact the Literature Committee Chairperson with questions about joining. Members are selected by the Editors, who typically first serve as Readers.
Chairperson: Julie S., [email protected]
World Service Conference Committee
When: 2nd Sunday of the month, 7:00pm CST
Committee Purpose: Responsible for planning and facilitating the annual S-Anon World Service Conference.
Current Number of Members: 5
Current and Upcoming Projects: Review motions submitted for consideration, create the agenda, and prepare the virtual platform for the upcoming WSC.
Committee Member Qualifications: No specific requirements. Members have studied or are familiar with the Twelve Traditions, and have a willingness to learn how to apply the Steps, Traditions, and Concepts in various situations. Business administration experience and knowledge of Roberts Rules of Order is a plus.
How to Join: Contact Chairperson
Chairperson: Jeanne H., [email protected]
International Convention Committee
When: 4th Tuesday of the month, 8:00pm CST
Committee Purpose: Provides guidance to international convention planning host committees to ensure that the international conventions proceed in accordance with the S-Anon Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, Twelve Concepts, and the BOT-approved International Convention Committee guidelines.
Current Number of Members: 5
Current and Upcoming Projects: Gather interest from the fellowship from potential host committees for a 2024 International Convention and work on International-Convention-in-a-Box to be used by host committees.
Committee Member Qualifications: No specific requirements; convention host committee or local marathon experience is a plus.
How to Join: Contact Chairperson
Chairperson: Heidi D., [email protected]
Finance Committee
When: 3rd Monday of the Month, 7:00pm CST
Committee Purpose: Provides stewardship of the funds received by the WSO.
Current Number of Members: 4
Current and Upcoming Projects: Provide financial input on motions submitted for the 2022 World Service Conference, evaluate monthly financials submitted by the WSO, review 2021 federal tax returns for filing, and begin prep work for the 2023 budget process.
Committee Member Qualifications: No specific requirements; experience in accounting, banking, or management of personal or business finances is a plus.
How to Join: Contact Chairperson
Chairperson: Dawnielle A., [email protected]
Executive Committee
When: 3rd and 4th Thursdays of the month, 3:00pm CST; 1st Tuesday of the month as a member of the BOT
Committee Purpose: Oversee operations at the World Service Office.
Current Number of Members: 4
Current and Upcoming Projects: Overseeing staff turnover, migration to a new financial management system, and facilitating the review, update, and creation of Service Literature.
Committee Member Qualifications: Members of the Executive Committee include the Officers of the BOT and the WSO Executive Director. According to the S-Anon Bylaws, a BOT officer needs to have 5 years in the S-Anon program and have completed the S-Anon Twelve Steps with a sponsor.
How to Join: The current vacant position on the EC is the BOT Co-Chair and beginning August 2022, the position of Secretary. Interested members can first reach out to the BOT Chair with questions and then would need to complete the BOT Candidate Package. Officers of the BOT are approved by the BOT.
Chairperson: Mercedes S., [email protected]