Some frequently asked questions about the 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 pamphlet, “Serving as an S-Anon Area Delegate.”
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 fellowshipwide decision-making that takes place at the World Service Conference (WSC). Ideally, groups elect service representatives from their … Area. Each Area is invited to send a Delegate to the WSC held once a year in July to participate in the decision making for S-Anon as a whole. Any individual member, group, intergroup, or Area is welcome to submit one or more motions, through their Area Delegate or Regional Trustee, for consideration and possible submission to the Conference. The decisions taken by the Conference are brought back to the local groups through the same channels of communication. (See Part 3, “Presenting Motions to the World Service Conference.”)” [Taken from the S-Anon/S-Ateen Service Manual.]
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 held annually on the Friday prior to the beginning of the July SA/S-Anon International Convention.
Q. Who pays the Area Delegates’ expenses for attending the World Service Conference?
A. “Ideally, in accordance with Tradition Seven, Areas and Regions would pay the expenses incurred by their Area Delegates who attend the World Service Conference.” [Taken from the S-Anon/S-Ateen Service Manual.]
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 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 a 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 assist you in taking 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 Delegate matters.
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.