BOULDER AREA SERVICE COMMITTEE OF NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS GUIDELINES
05/11/2010
Article I: Name
The name of this service committee is the Boulder Area Service Committee. Hereafter to be referred to as B.A.S.C. for convenience.
Article II: Purpose
The purpose of the B.A.S.C. is to serve its Member-Groups and their primary purpose by helping groups address their day to day situations and needs. Whenever a group has a specific need which it has not been able to resolve it may use the B.A.S.C. for counsel. The B.A.S.C.’s primary function is to serve the Member-Groups; it is not a governing body for its Member Groups or Narcotics Anonymous; it is directly responsible to its Member Groups.
An N.A. Group is any meeting which meets regularly at the same time and place and follows the guidelines set forth in A Guide to Local Services in Narcotics Anonymous. The primary purpose of each group should be to carry the message of recovery to the addict who still suffers. Any new group must meet for three months before it can be added to the printed Area meeting list but may be added to the website immediately.
Article III: Meetings
The regular meeting of the B.A.S.C. is held on the first Sunday of each month at a predetermined location. Special meetings may be requested by motion at A.S.C.
Article IV: Proposals and Consensus Based Decision Making
“For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority – a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.”
Proposals
All proposals are decided through Consensus-Based Decision Making. Any NA member is welcome to attend the B.A.S.C., introduce proposals and participate in discussion. Proposals are to be submitted on the form provided, and shall be decided by a consensus of the Decision Making members of the B.A.S.C. present.
Consensus-Based Decision Making
Though the use of Consensus-Based Decision making admittedly takes longer to achieve an outcome, the results are understood by all in attendance at a more significant level. In addition, any proposal can be easily modified as discussion progresses. Making a motion, requiring a second and so forth are no longer needed. Decision Makers become a single point of accountability to those that they represent (see 12 Concepts of NA Service).
Consensus-Based Decision Making Process
1. Bring proposals to the B.A.S.C. that are formulated in advance with as much collaboration as possible to facilitate the consensus decision process.
2. Maker of the proposal speaks first to the intent.
3. Open up the floor for clarifying questions about the proposal (not a debate on the merits but a brief session to be sure everyone understands the proposal).
4. Facilitator asks whether anyone has reservations about the proposal. These are heard and they may be answered or the proposal may be modified.
5. Once all reservations have been heard and answered in this way, Facilitator asks, “Do we have consensus?” Participants respond in one of four ways:
a. Assent. This means that the Decision Maker supports the proposal. The Decision Maker has heard the discussion, has had a chance to participate in the process of finalizing the proposal and is in agreement with every aspect.
b. Assent with Reservations. Done by the Decision Maker raising their hand and simply saying, “Assent with Reservations.” The Decision Maker is simply noting that they can support the proposal and continue to have these reservations.
c. Stand Aside. A statement that the Decision Maker does not support the proposal, but the Decision Maker’s objection is not of the severity to warrant a
block. Should the number of Decision Makers opting to be Stand Asides reach 15% or more, this will indicate a consensus too weak to adopt the proposal. The proposal is then either dropped or delegated to the maker of the proposal or an Ad-hoc Committee for reworking.
d. Block. Given that a proposal can be defeated by a sufficient number of Stand Asides, the Block should be an extremely rare step taken only when a participant honestly believes that one of the Traditions or Concepts is directly violated by this proposal. A Decision Maker who blocks must be able to articulate which Tradition or Concept or Spiritual principle fundamental to NA is violated by the specific proposal.
Article V: Elections
Elections shall be held annually at the B.A.S.C. meeting for the month of March. All trusted servants are elected by a vote of Decision Making B.A.S.C. members. Any member of NA can be nominated but the nomination must be seconded by a voting participant of the B.A.S.C. Any nominee for a B.A.S.C. position must be present in order to state their qualifications. Participants will be given the opportunity to ask questions and/or voice their objections (if any) concerning any nominee while the nominee is present.
Voting:
1. A vote will be taken for all elected positions regardless of the number of nominees.
2. If there is only one nominee for a position after nominations have been closed, the election is known as a vote of acclamation and will be indicated as such by the Chairperson. The nominee must then receive 2/3rds of the participating votes to be elected. If the nominee fails to receive 2/3rds then nominations will be reopened.
3. While the voting process is taking place the nominees should leave the room.
4. All Decision Making members in attendance may cast one vote.
5. The Chairperson will ask who is in favor of the first candidate nominated, then the second, and so on. All votes for a candidate will be counted before moving on to the next one.
6. The only votes that will be tallied are those in favor of the candidate.
7. The Chairperson will vote only when a vote total is tied.
8. The final vote totals will NOT be reflected in the minutes.
Article VI: Trusted Servants
The Fourth Concept states “Effective leadership is highly valued in Narcotics Anonymous. Leadership qualities should be carefully considered when selecting trusted servants.” With that in mind, the following list of qualifications is suggested for all BASC Administrative members:
1. Willingness to serve.
2. Time and resources to fulfill the commitment.
3. A working knowledge of the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts of Narcotics Anonymous.
4. Prior NA service experience.
5. Active participant of Narcotics Anonymous fellowship.
Specific qualifications, duties and responsibilities of each B.A.S.C. Administrative Committee position can be found in the following sections.
Trusted servants are to serve a maximum of two (2) consecutive years in any one position. Relapse constitutes automatic removal from any elected position.
Additionally, trusted servants may be removed for:
1. Non-fulfillment of the duties of their position.
2. Absence at three (3) or more consecutive meetings, unless an alternate and/or report is sent in their stead.
CHAIRPERSON: Suggested clean time is two (2) years. Length of commitment is one (1) year. Duties of the chairperson include:
1. Open the meeting on time.
2. Recognize those who are entitled to the floor.
3. Read proposal and facilitate proposal process.
4. Enforce the rules relating to debate, order and decorum within the committee.
5. Expedite business in every way compatible with the rights of the members and observers.
6. Decide all questions of order, unless the chairperson prefers to submit the question to the committee for decision.
7. Respond to all inquiries of members relating to consensus based decision making or factual information bearing on the business of the committee.
8. Authenticate by signature, when necessary, all acts, proposals, and proceedings of the B.A.S.C.
9. Co-sign the B.A.S.C. bank account.
10. Arrange the agenda for each meeting.
11. Appoint Ad-hock Committee Chairpersons.
12. Conduct the meeting with impartiality and fairness.
13. Adjourn the meeting.
14. If any group is unrepresented by the GSR or GSR-A or written submitted report for 90 days, it will be the responsibility of the Area Chair or their representative to attend the unrepresented meeting to determine the level of help need from the Area committee, if any.
VICE-CHAIRPERSON: Suggested clean time is two (2) years. Length of commitment is one (1) year. Duties of the vice-chairperson include:
1. To serve as chairperson in the absence of the chairperson.
2. Fill in for and assume responsibility for chairperson, treasurer, and secretary
as needed.
3. Fill in for and assume responsibility for any vacant subcommittee chairperson positions until such position is filled by election.
SECRETARY: Suggested clean time is one (1) year. Length of commitment is one (1) year. Duties of the secretary include:
1. Take minutes at B.A.S.C. meeting.
2. Distribute minutes to all B.A.S.C. Members no later than ten (10) days following the B.A.S.C. meeting.
3. Maintain and update archives, making them easily accessible.
4. Amend and maintain B.A.S.C. Guidelines as needed.
TREASURER: Suggested clean time is two (2) years and a job. Length of commitment is one (1) year. Duties of the treasurer include:
1. Be the custodian of the B.A.S.C. funds.
2. Be a co-signer of the B.A.S.C.’s bank account.
3. Report receipts and disbursements at each meeting, and submit an excel spreadsheet to be added to the minutes.
4. Disburse funds as directed by the B.A.S.C.
5. Keep receipts for all contributions and disbursements.
6. Disbursements other than budget priorities must be voted on by B.A.S.C. Budget priorities are as follows:
a. Phone Line – Pay answering service bill and other expenses as needed.
b. Public Information – Pay expenses as needed. (meeting schedules)
c. Hospitals & Institutions – Pay expenses as needed.
d. Rent
e. Literature – Pay expenses as needed.
f. Activities – Pay expenses as needed.
g. Donation to Colorado Region
7. Wherever possible checks will be written directly to the businesses
providing services to the B.A.S.C.
8. All members/groups/committees utilizing or requesting any B.A.S.C. funds
will be required to provide the treasurer with an itemized budget request and
financial report including all receipts.
9. The Treasurer shall keep an archive of the past month’s bank account statements, including canceled checks, deposit slips and all receipts.
10. Must have access to a computer.
VICE-TREASURER: Suggested clean time is two (2) years and a job. Length of commitment is one (1) year. Duties of the vice-treasurer include:
1. To serve as treasurer in absence of treasurer.
2. Be the custodian of B.A.S.C. funds
3. Be a co-signer of the B.A.S.C.’s bank account.
4. Report receipts and disbursements at each meeting, and submit an excel
spreadsheet to be added to the minutes.
5. Disburse funds as directed by the B.A.S.C.
6. Keep receipts for all contributions and disbursements.
7. Disbursements other than budget priorities must be voted on by B.A.S.C.
Budget priorities are as follows:
a. Phone Line – Pay answering service bill and other expenses as needed.
b. Public Information – Pay expenses as needed. (meeting schedules)
c. Hospitals & Institutions – Pay expenses as needed.
d. Rent
e. Literature – Pay expenses as needed.
f. Activities – Pay expenses as needed.
g. Donation to Colorado Region
8. Wherever possible checks will be written directly to the businesses providing services to the B.A.S.C.
9. All members/groups/committees utilizing or requesting any B.A.S.C. funds
will be required to provide the treasurer with an itemized budget request and financial report including any and all receipts.
10. The Treasurer shall keep an archive of the past month’s bank account statements, including canceled checks, deposit slips and all receipts.
11. Must have access to a computer
REGIONAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS (RCM): Suggested clean time is two (2) years. Length of commitment is one (1) year. The RCM(s) will carry the conscience of the B.A.S.C. to the Region and the Regional Assembly. They will also report back to the B.A.S.C. Regional and World activities of N.A. Please refer to A Guide to Local Services in Narcotics Anonymous, page 52 for more
information. Duties of the RCM include:
1. Submit a written report of monthly activities and a copy of information submitted to the R.S.C. at each B.A.S.C. meeting.
2. Attend the Colorado Regional meetings of Narcotics Anonymous.
3. Attend the Colorado Regional Assembly of Narcotics Anonymous.
4. Represent the interest of the B.A.S.C. at the R.S.C. and to carry the Area’s conscience.
5. The longest serving Regional Committee Member serves as the B.A.S.C. Chair in the absence of the B.A.S.C. Chair and B.A.S.C. Vice Chair.
PHONE LINE CHAIRPERSON: Suggested clean time is two (2) years as well as six (6) months of prior N.A. Phone line experience. Length of commitment is one (1) year. Duties of the Phone line Chairperson include:
1. Being directly responsible to the B.A.S.C.
2. Elect or appoint other committee members or officers as necessary.
3. Provide a written report of all monthly activities at each B.A.S.C. meeting.
4. Hold regularly scheduled and announced quarterly meetings or as necessary.
5. Function under directions contained in this document and any Guidelines offered by the World Service Office of Narcotics Anonymous.
6. Will also function within the principles of any World Service handbook, guideline or guide unless stated in writing by the Sub-Committee or B.A.S.C. as a group.
7. Maintain list of current phone line volunteers.
8. Conduct business with answering service.
9. Conduct and organize learning days as necessary.
10. Develop and/or maintain guidelines for Phone line Sub-Committee.
PUBLIC INFORMATION CHAIRPERSON: Suggested clean time is two (2) years. Length of commitment is one (1) year. The purpose of the Public information Sub-Committee (PI) is to provide conference approved literature and information to the public. This Sub-Committee serves as a resource of information about N.A. in the Boulder Area. This Sub-Committee will abide by the Twelve Steps, Traditions, Concepts and the Public Relations Handbook. Duties of the Public Information Chairperson include:
1. Being directly responsible to the B.A.S.C.
2. Elect or appoint other committee members or officers as necessary.
3. Provide a written report of all monthly activities at each B.A.S.C. meeting.
4. Hold regularly scheduled and announced monthly meetings or as necessary.
5. Function under directions contained in this document and any Guidelines offered by the World Service Office of Narcotics Anonymous.
6. Will also function within the principles of any World Service handbook, guideline or guide unless stated in writing by the Sub-Committee or B.A.S.C. as a group.
7. Amend, maintain stock of and distribute current meeting lists at the B.A.S.C. and related facilities.
8. Develop and/or maintain guidelines for P.I. Sub-Committee.
9. Attend Colorado Regional Public Information Committee meetings.
10. Maintain a list of PI Rack Locations and the status of their Accessibility.
ACTIVITIES CHAIRPERSON: Suggested clean time is two (2) years and a job. Length of commitment is one (1) year. The purpose of the Activities Sub-Committee is to provide the Fellowship in the Boulder Area with recovery-oriented activities and merchandise. Funds generated through this Sub-Committee belong to the B.A.S.C. and are to be used to support the Area’s needs. Duties of the Activities Chairperson include:
1. Being directly responsible to the B.A.S.C.
2. Elect or appoint other committee members or officers as necessary.
3. Provide a written report of all monthly activities at each B.A.S.C. meeting.
4. Hold regularly scheduled and announced monthly meetings or as necessary.
5. Function under directions contained in this document and any Guidelines offered by the World Service Office of Narcotics Anonymous.
6. Will also function within the principles of any World Service handbook, guideline or guide unless stated in writing by the Sub-Committee or B.A.S.C. as a group.
7. Any activity must be presented to the B.A.S.C. with a detailed budget and description (flier) for approval prior to the event.
8. Two (2) people are required to count funds after a given event.
9. All proceeds from an activity go directly to the Treasurer as soon as possible and belong to the B.A.S.C.
10. Develop and/or maintain guidelines for Activities Sub-Committee.
HOSPITALS AND INSTITUTIONS CHAIRPERSON: Suggested clean time is two (2) years as well as six (6) months of prior H&I experience. Length of commitment is one (1) year. The purpose of the Hospitals and Institutions Sub-Committee (H&I) is to carry the message of recovery to those facilities whose clients are unable to regularly attend N.A. meetings in the Boulder Area. Duties of H&I Chairperson include:
1. Being directly responsible to the B.A.S.C.
2. Elect or appoint other committee members or officers as necessary.
3. Provide a written report of all monthly activities at each B.A.S.C. meeting.
4. Hold regularly scheduled and announced monthly meetings or as necessary.
5. Function under directions contained in this document and any Guidelines offered by the World Service Office of Narcotics Anonymous.
6. Will also function within the principles of any World Service handbook, guideline or guide unless stated in writing by the Sub-Committee or B.A.S.C. as a group.
7. Develop and/or maintain guidelines for H&I Sub-Committee.
LITERATURE CHAIRPERSON: Suggested clean time is two (2) years and a job.
Length of commitment is one (1) year. The purpose of the Literature Sub-Committee is to provide for members in the Boulder Area an opportunity to review or approve/disapprove current N.A. literature proposed for conference approval and to make literature available for Area groups. This Sub-Committee also can develop original materials to be submitted to the World Literature Committee. Duties of the Literature Chairperson include:
1. Being directly responsible to the B.A.S.C.
2. Elect or appoint other committee members or officers as necessary.
3. Provide a written report of all monthly activities at each B.A.S.C. meeting.
4. Hold meetings as necessary.
5. Function under directions contained in this document and any Guidelines offered by the World Service Office of Narcotics Anonymous.
6. Will also function within the principles of any World Service handbook, guideline or guide unless stated in writing by the Sub-Committee or B.A.S.C. as a group.
7. Order literature every month as needed.
8. Account for all funds received from literature sales to groups. All funds must be accounted for with receipts and copy of order form. Itemized report will be submitted as part of lit. committee monthly report.
9. Literature is to be sold at the B.A.S.C. for all groups and subcommittees.
10. Attempt to meet minimum order requirements for free shipping.
11. Facilitate literature review as suggested by Conference Agenda Report.
C.R.C.N.A. LIAISON: Suggested clean time is one (1) year. Length of commitment is one (1) year running concurrently with the C.R.C.N.A. sub-
committee term. Duties include:
1. Attend C.R.C.N.A. subcommittee meetings and vote B.A.S.C. conscience.
2. Submit written report monthly to B.A.S.C.
B.A.S.C. WEB SERVANT: Suggested clean time is one (1) year. Length of commitment is one (1) year. Duties include:
1. Create and maintain Boulder Area website.
2. All material that will be posted on the Regional website must be approved by BASC.
3. Updates the web version of the meeting list as needed.
4. Attends or has an alternate attend the monthly B.A.S.C. meetings.
5. Communicates B.A.S.C. Meeting list changes to the Colorado Regional Service Committee.
6. This Subcommittee meets on a by-request basis. Any group, member or committee can request a meeting to address issues or requests.
7. The Subcommittee will host an annual meeting to inventory the functions of the website.
8. Must be familiar with web protocols
9. Must have a reliable connection to the Internet.
10. Is accountable to the B.A.S.C.
Article VII: Amendments to Guidelines
These guidelines may be amended by the Consensus Based Decision Process. The proposed amendment’s exact wording should be submitted on the form provided.
Article VIII: Monthly Automatic Disbursements and Prudent Reserve
The B.A.S.C. shall maintain a Prudent Reserve of $250.00.
The B.A.S.C. Post Office Box shall be paid on an annual basis.
The B.A.S.C. website shall be paid automatically on a monthly basis using the B.A.
S.C. Debit Card.
Article IX: Bounced Check Policy
When any check written to the B.A.S.C. is returned for insufficient funds, the Treasurer informs the writer at the next Area meeting. The amount of the returned check plus any and all bank fees needs to be reimbursed to the Area either in cash or with a money order. The BASC will accept no further checks from the writer of the check. Literature orders and Group donations will still be accepted in the form of a money order or cash.
Article X: Definitions
GSR: Group Service Representative.
BUDGET: An itemized estimate of expected income and expenditures; plan of operations.
CONSENSUS: A position reached by a group as a whole.
DECISION MAKER: A Decision Maker shall be one (1) GSR per group, Chairs of Subcommittees and the Administrative Committee. The Chairperson has no vote except to break a tie in an election.
FACILITATOR: Person who guides the group through the consensus-based decision making process (area chair)
RECORDER: Person who is responsible for recording the concerns and final disposition of all proposals (secretary).
STANDASIDE: Member who has concerns but will allow the proposal to move forward.
BLOCK: Proposal is blocked based on a tradition or concept of Narcotics Anonymous.
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