1. Effective GSR/RCM /Facilitator GSR Assembly 2016

2. y. This document and presentation is in no way meant to replace the service literature that is currently available to our fellowship. It is our hope that it will inspire further research and discussion by all of those in attendance toda y.

3. Why are we here?   Gain information on being an effective GSR/RCM/Facilitator…   Responsibilities   Communication   Tools   Benefits of Service

4. What is a GSR/RCM/Facilitator? - These are elected Trusted Servant positions from within your group, Area or Region. - Roles and duties of these positions are defined by our members. - As Trusted Servants, Trust from our members is vital because you carry your group, Area or service body’s conscious and not just their vote.

5. What is a GSR?   The Group Service Representative is the go-between for each Narcotics Anonymous Group and the various levels of our service structure. It is important to know that the GSR is a member of the ASC and must consider what is best for the Area and not just their group.

6. What is a RCM?   The Regional Conference Member is the go-between for each Narcotics Anonymous Area and the various levels of our service structure. While the RCM is elected by the Areas, it is important to know that the RCM is a member of the Region and must think about what is best for the Region.

7. What is the role of a Facilitator? “The role of the Facilitator is to help the body move through their intended agenda, reach decisions that participants can support, and help ensure that these decisions are in harmony with the principles of the NA program.” Basic Facilitation Guide August 2013

8. GSR… RCM…   While GSRs and RCMs are elected by and accountable to the groups and areas, they are not mere group or area messengers.   They are selected by their groups to serve as active members of the area service committee and the regional service committee.

9. GSR… RCM…   GSRs and RCMs provide constant, active information on discussions being carried on within our service structure.

10. Facilitator… - - The Facilitator… - Is a resource that guides the group towards a solution using Consensus Based Decision Making. - Creates an environment that allows open discussion. - Keeps the discussion on the topic or issue on track. - Allows enough time for the group to explore and discuss the topic before asking for a decision. - -

11. Responsibilities GSRs – Participate in:   Area service committee meetings,   Attend forums and assemblies at both the area and regional levels;   Join in the work of an ASC subcommittee.

12. Responsibilities “Group service representatives bear great responsibility. While GSRs are elected by and accountable to the group, they are not mere group messengers. They are selected by their groups to serve as active members of the area service committee. As such, they are responsible to act in the best interests of NA as a whole, not solely as advocates of their own groups’ priorities.” Guide to Local Service pg. 35

13. Responsibilities RCMs carries their Area’s conscious, keeps their Areas in touch with the larger world of NA by providing information on activities in neighboring Areas, functions being sponsored by the regional committee and important issues being discussed at various levels of service.

14. Responsibilities A Facilitator helps maintain an atmosphere of recovery and inclusivity to all members. Having an awareness of any relevant resources, such as local guides, service handbooks, traditions and concept essays. Qualities highly favorable is effective communication, humility and selfless service.

15. GSR… RCM… Facilitator… Regardless of the leadership role or position, all leaders in NA have some common responsibilities: - Planning/Organizing/Prioritizing - Oversight and Evaluation - Communication - Leadership Development - Creating an Atmosphere of Recovery

16. Communication The GSR is the formal line of communication whose purpose it is to represent the group’s conscience in matters affecting other groups or NA as a whole. IP#2 The Group

17. Communication   Communicator for the ASC, IP #2 The Group   “Provide information to the group about developments in the worldwide NA fellowship and to share with the area any activities, strengths or problems of the group.”

18. Communication & Responsibilities   Reporting to the Group   Activities – Previous & Upcoming   H&I – Current   Literature – Purchase, Area Lit Decisions   PR – Current and Projected Plans   Web – Address & Info (birthdays, etc)   Current and Proposed Happenings   Policy issues…   Subcommittee Openings   Issues at Area and Region

19. Communication examples   Area Subcommittee   H&I – Panels not following guidelines   PR – Purchase of presentation boards   Open Positions   Area Communications   i.e., Group withholding funds   Regional   Positions Open   FRC & RSO

20. Communication examples   Literature   New…Traditions workbook etc.   Service Pamphlets   Communications   Within our country and with other countries   Language (Translations)   Customs (Iraq – women in meetings)   Fellowship Support   Financial (basket)   Resources, i.e., input

21. Examples of Communication   Atmosphere of Recovery   Donations   Support   Experience  bers  Commitment-Home Group Members

22. Tools   Guide to Local Service (GLS)   12 Traditions   12 Concepts   The Group Booklet   IP #2 The Group   Area Policy   Understanding business guides   Consensus Based Decision Making   Parliamentary Rules

23. GLS (Guide to Local Service)   Information on   12 Concepts   Developing NA Communities   NA Group   Area Service Committees   Dividing Area Service Committees   Metropolitan Service Committees   Regional Service Committees   Local Service Centers   Sample Rules of Order

24. GLS   Local Service Centers   Sample Rules of Order   Glossary   Index   Listing of bulletins, handbooks, and other service-related materials available from the World Service Office   Twelve Concepts and Twelve Traditions summary pullout sheet

25. Traditions that support Area Service   #1- To maintain unity - As a service committee we are committed to communicate between the group down to world services the needs of the addict.   #2 – Group conscience of a group chooses effective leaders as trusted servants.   #5 – Service Committees free the group to carry the message to the individual addict.

26. Traditions that support Area Service   #9 – Service boards and/or committees are formed to perform duties for groups & NA as a whole.   #10 - Narcotics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the NA name ought never be drawn into public controversy.   #11 – Anonymity is maintained for individuals in the groups by giving service committees the authority to perform services and duties that they cannot perform for as individuals.

27. Benefits of Service  Fun  Building Relationships  Commitment  Selflessness  Practicing Spiritual Principles  Patience  Unconditional Love  Give back to the fellowship

28. Tradition & Concepts … “For our group purpose, there is but one ultimate authority, a loving God as He may express himself in our group conscious. Our leaders are but trusted servants, they do not govern.” 2 nd Traditions “Effective leadership is highly valued in Narcotics Anonymous.” 4 th Concept “Our service structure depends on the integrity and effectiveness of our communications.” 8 th Concept

29. Leadership … Each member, Group Service Representative, the Regional Committee Member and Facilitator Team display leadership qualities and characteristics within their groups, Areas and Regions. “Because we are all connected – at every level of the service structure -- for our common purpose, what we do as leaders and how we do it impacts others and their ability to do their service job.” Your Role as a Leader in Narcotics Anonymous Session Two Worksheets

30. The NA Service Structure The Group The Foundation of the NA service structure whose purpose is to carry the message of recovery directly to the suffering addict. The Area Administers the services of a local community. The Region Pools the experience and resources of Areas and groups to address issues. World Services Unifies and ensures the common welfare of NA worldwide A Common Vision and Purpose

31. Questions??