Some frequently asked questions about the Area Delegate role in the S-Anon Service Structure are outlined below. A complete description of Area Delegates and the S-Anon Service Structure is presented in the S-Anon/S-Ateen Service Manual. More information can also be found in the service literature piece, L-19, “Serving as an S-Anon Area Delegate.” L-19 is currently under revision.
How does the S-Anon Service Structure Work?
What is the World Service Conference?
Who pays the Area Delegates’ expenses for attending the WSC?
How can I volunteer to serve as an Area Delegate?
How do I register with the WSO as an Area Delegate or Alternate once selected?
How can I contact my Area Delegate?
Q. How does the S-Anon Service Structure work?
A. Traditional authority in S-Anon flows from the individual groups toward the decision making that takes place at the WSC and is defined by the WSC Charter. This process assures each local group that its concerns and opinions are taken into consideration. The Legal service structure, defined in the Bylaws, consists of members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) Regional Trustees, the World Service Office Executive Director, the BOT Officers and the Chairs of the BOT Standing Committees (Concept Two).” (S-Anon/S-Ateen Service Manual (SSSM), Part 2. Please see the SSSM for more information.
Q. What is the World Service Conference?
A. The World Service Conference (WSC) provides a forum where issues and policies affecting all S-Anon and S-Ateen groups can be discussed and informed decisions can be made with all members of the fellowship being represented through their Area Delegate. The WSC is usually held annually in July. The WSC is most often a face-to-face event, but it may be held virtually if circumstances warrant..
Q. Who pays the Area Delegates’ expenses for attending the World Service Conference?
A. “In accordance with Tradition Seven, Areas are responsible for paying expenses incurred by their Area Delegates to attend a face-to-face World Service Conference.” (S-Anon/S-Ateen Service Manual (SSSM), Part 2.)
If your Area does not have the financial resources available, there may be other options. You can ask the groups in the Area or the Intergroup, if there is one in your Area, to help you meet the costs of participation. For example, in one Area, the local Intergroup was the body that organized the selection of an Area Delegate. The Intergroup also voted to pay at least a portion of the expenses their Area Delegate incurred. If no financial support is forthcoming from the Area, the Area Delegate may apply for the reimbursement of up to half of allowable travel expenses from a special fund maintained by the WSO.
View the Delegate Expense Reimbursement Policy
View the Delegate Expense Reimbursement Form
Q. How can I volunteer to serve as an Area Delegate?
A. If you feel you are qualified for this service and would like to serve your Area as their Area Delegate, you may contact the S-Anon World Service Office at [email protected] to find out if your Area currently has a Delegate.
a. If your Area already has an Area Delegate, you are encouraged to contact that person and ask them if your Area has an Alternate Delegate.
b. If your area does NOT have an Area Delegate, the World Service Office will offer suggestions on how you can take the next steps to become the delegate for your Area. This will consist primarily of contacting other groups in your Area to announce your intention and ask them to agree to be represented by you.
This may sound like you are taking too much into your own hands. Many of us have felt that way when stepping out into uncharted S-Anon service work territory. Please know that you will be performing a much-needed service for the groups in your Area if you represent them at the S-Anon World Service Conference. You will be practicing our slogan, “Let it Begin with Me.” You will be stepping up to take on a vital role, and will be helping to assure that the World Service Conference is truly the voice of all S-Anon groups. You can lead the way for others who will come after you, and they will be able to depend on the experience, strength and hope that you will be able to share with them.
If you would like to talk with someone about this service, please contact the WSO at [email protected] and ask to be put in touch with someone who can talk with you about serving as an Area Delegate.
Q. How do I register with the WSO as an Area Delegate or Alternate once selected?
A. Once you have been selected as an Area Delegate or Alternate, please register your information with the World Service Office (WSO) by submitting a completed Area Delegate Information Form. The WSO will use this information to communicate with you regarding Area Delegate matters. You will need to be registered with the WSO by May 1 in order to participate in the July World Service Conference.
Q. How can I contact my Area Delegate?
A. If you would like to be put in touch with your Area Delegate or a currently serving Area Delegate from another Area, please email your contact information to [email protected], and your message will be forwarded to a delegate representative by the S-Anon World Service Office. Please remember that Area Delegates are volunteers; someone will contact you as soon as they are able to do so.