REGIONAL_MINUTES_01_18

Region Minutes 1-18-03

The Buffalo Area will host the next RSC on 49 Church Rd on March 15, 2003. Melanie has the key and will make sure that the facility is available. Take the 190 to the Seneca Street exit. Take Seneca Street to Indian Church Rd and turn left. Church is on the right hand side approximately one block. Parking is available only on the street.

Dave opened the meeting with the Serenity Prayer.
Art read page 16 of the Basic Text.
James read the Twelve Concepts.
Jim read the Twelve Traditions.

Roll Call -
The Vice Chair was not in attendance. Activities Chair is not in attendance due to family emergency. Everyone else is in attendance. Quorum established for voting.

Minutes -
Registration income should be $386.00 not $4386.00. This was an error in the Convention Chair's report. Jim should be listed as an observer not a visitor. Motion to accept minutes with corrections, seconded and passed. If an RCM makes a motion it must be seconded by another RCM.

Mailbox -
Several flyers, World workshop announcements and catalogs were received.

Open Positions & Nominations

RSC will open position two meetings before election due to July motion to interpret the by-laws so positions could be brought back to Areas for nominations.

H&I - open
PI - Dale is nominated and seconded
Chair in May - Dave M
Vice Chair in May - Rodney not present, nominated by James
Treasurer - Donald H. nominated, elected with all in favor.
Convention - James W. nominated by Niagara Falls Area. James W. accepted and would step down from Literature. He reread his resume before the Regional committee. He was not elected with 1 in favor, 1 abstention. Gretchen nominated by Buffalo Area. Resume was read before the Regional committee. She was elected with 2 in favor, 1 abstention.

RD Report - Cedric, Bob B Alt

The RDA Bob and myself are retiring from the workshop, in Austin, TX. We feel that it was a great success, making the connection with World Board members and the Lone Star Region. We split up to do workshops in order to cover them all to the best of our abilities. We took notes as well as taped discussions. Committee members and home group members opened my heart and mind to special needs meetings in our Region. We would like to workshop theses topics at the Convention.
Workshop discussions on tape if anyone would like to hear. Zonal forum information was routed to the old RD. The current committee is meeting this weekend but was missed because the RSC did not get the information on time. Additional taxes needed for airfare. See Report attached. Discussion ensued regarding specific meetings. Diversified meetings may help include rather than exclude. Newcomers may not attend much-needed meetings if they think that a group is specific to certain people. Special needs meetings vs. special interest meetings. Our preamble states regardless of age, sex, etc. Addicts should not be excluded from meetings seeking recovery. This Area is the last to not recognize special interest meetings. Discussion ensued regarding medicines and drug usage. World's view is that we need to be more open-minded and not exclude people or hurt people with our own opinions.
I would like to thank this body for the opportunity to serve. This worldwide workshop was a great learning experience for me. The future of W.N.Y. as a whole. The workshop was something new, different and surprising. The format was interactive and made you feel a part of so it was very fun.
The purpose of the workshop was to improve face to face communication between world and the fellowship and through this it created an opportunity for dialogue, training and exchange of experience, ideals, and this for me generated enthusiasm to carry the massage of recovery and service more effectively from now on.
The opening meeting was just a get to know us all RD and RD alts introduced our selves talk about what we were going to do over the weekend were told that there were 30,000 plus meetings world wide the most interesting fact was 89% of income is literature sales. (Basic text out sells all books combined.) 9% is donators, 2% others. Then we took a 5 minute break when we came back we were asked that each table talk about issues that were important. (we were in tables of 8.) Topic of discussions and debate were focus on principles 3rd and 5th tradition, Special interest belongs in sponsorship, diversity is strength be grateful solution is openmindness, communication on a area level, recognize that our differences are sometimes larger cultural racial beyond NA, proved better training on traditions, concepts, for trusted servants, why not just call them meetings instead of gay, lesbian, men or woman only solution we are all equal. Asked to write down what we think are issues that needed to be talked about. (made a tree.)
Focus on local issues, this is were we voted on the two most important on the tree they happened to be "cultural diversity/unity and serve structure." On unity/diversity we discussed why is diversity/unity such a high topic of conversation? Like woman, gay, lesbian. Why when we grow meetings become cultural? What are the answers to unite? Some things talked about like we tend to view our group as us others as them get past "us" "them" mentally by putting a face on region. Visit areas create a relationship.
Service structure, parliamentary procedure sometimes fosters conflict/disunity. Try consensus based decision making, avoid filling positions with "warm body" who might not be qualified, open "communication", sponsorship - 12th step, stress fun, avoid negative characterizations of service area curious, etc.
Self-support, how does it relate to our principle purpose to our cumin welfare and NA unity? Responsibility/accountability, emotionally, physically, spiritually how we act. Literature there for the taking. Relay on our recourses to allow new and old timers to get involved, giving to feel a part of by giving back being open-minded. To make sure of the availability, self support in also. Service makes people feel comfortable, humanity, self worth, personality, and anonymity sharing on how it works. Benefits on being involved freedom, area 30 plus going down to 8 a week. Letting go letting God. Having a lot of new comers. Groups holding money, groups its a lack of trust.
Cultural diversity, why is diversity/unity such a high topic? Woman meetings, gay, woman conventions. When we grow meetings become cultural, what are the answers to unite? Sponsorship - men with men women with woman. How dose this relate to gay members? Unity among woman needed, woman need to support each other, Go to meetings predominately of a different racial group, religion, we tend to view our groups as "us" other than "them". Need more awareness of don't be hard on ourselves. To change it is to confront them to live up to principles and steps. Don't forget this is a process. Fear, habit, comfort. Diversity is strength, power, spirit says you belong there. Hate is a defect of charictor. Felt indifference about being labeled.
Atmosphere of recovery, icebreaker use questions to get to know each other. What does your home group do to insure an atmosphere of recovery in a loving carrying way? Nothing just let it run, monitor conversations. Home group members help with literature, pass phone lists, birthday, eating and speaking meetings all in one. If a member is disruptive in your home group do you have a greater responsibility to deal with the situation then a visitor to your group? Yes it is a home group member's duty to keep it if your visitor is disruptive. Take them aside talk to them away from others. No control. Let God.
We were thinking of doing a workshop on the same type of round robin maybe to it with activities and see were our region is on these issues and when they leave they will have a sense of unity and how to turn diversity into a positive strength.

THANK YOU DONNA I FOR TYPING!

Area Reports

Buffalo Area - Fred H, RCM

Buffalo Area met on December 18, 2002 at Buffalo State College. All sub-committees were in attendance except Policy, which gave no report. All Area positions have nominations. The Buffalo Area has a Regional donation of $250.00.

Chautauqua - Art B, RCM

The last two ASC meetings were opened with the readings of Concepts 7 & 8. Time was spent on nominations for this month's elections. All of the positions have nominations. PI, Dan S has been in contact with many local agencies and has PSAs on the radio and television. Activities is having a Valentine's Day Dance on February 7, 2003 from 8-10pm to help raise money to reimburse the people who paid for t-shirts from past event which they never received. They are also here today with food in the kitchen for anyone. Please give a donation if you can. Phone line has a $101.71 bill for two months. Treasurer's balance is $291.94 with a $60.00 Regional donation. I would like to thank everyone who is and was involved with the WNYRSCNA for helping me feel a part of. Money for church for rent is $10.00.

Niagara Orleans - Raymond B, RCM

The Ni-O Area Annual New Year's Eve Party was a success. We had some great food, music and guests. Outside facilities like Summerset House, Reflections and Horizon Village were there and we gave away Basic Text books and Just For Today daily meditation books. I regret to say that our Area does not have a donation this month due to our closing balance of -$41.91. The Area H&I committee is doing well at the Orleans Correctional facility, Reflections at LMH and soon to start at the Niagara County Jail.

Niagara Falls - Joshua A, RCM

The Area's Ball was reported to be a success and work was immediately started on this upcoming year ending function. All newly elected servants have started their terms except PI and RCM Alternate, which are still open. Incumbent servants stayed in almost every position. Fred D. has surfaced as our Policy Chair. At this time of transition, I have been appointed authority to give a vote of confidence for any Regional position that needs to be filled as soon as possible. Also, the Niagara Falls Area is nominating James W. as Convention Chair. We send a donation, again. I once again plan to serve this position to the best of my ability. Always wanting to learn more, experienced servants, feel free to tell me what I am doing wrong or right.

Secretary - Requesting reimbursement for $30.02 for mailings, copies and envelopes.

Opening Balance - $5,027.23

Signatures cards need to be updated. Paper work will be turned over to Donald.

Chair Report - Dave M

See report attached.

Vice Chair - Rodney M

Vice-Chair was not in attendance due to deaths in the family. Report read by Dave M.

I am sorry that I cannot be with you due to the long illness and subsequent death of my sister and the death of my nephew. I have been unable to call together a Convention committee meeting due to these circumstances. I have had several conversations with Dave M in regards to this situation. I have had communication with Thomas Y who is willing to accept the nomination of Convention Chair. Thus, in absentia, I place his nomination before the body.

Thomas Y was not in attendance therefore his nomination did not stand.

Literature - James W

Niagara Falls Area Literature is changing their prices. They asked when there would be workshop meetings. Buffalo Area Literature Chair has been asking for help in distribution of literature.

Public Information - Dale H

Hello To All My Fellow Addicts! The proposed regional guidelines are finished and they are available to be reviewed. Will the RCMs please give a copy to your P.I. chairperson? All comments and input from all addicts on these guidelines are welcome. I will be going to MARLCNA with Bob and Cedric in Feb. This committee's next project is to draft contingency plans to put in our guidelines. I will be getting this information mostly from W.S.O. Our committee will meet at Tom's Family Restaurant 935 Allegheny Rd. Irving, NY at 2 pm on Sat. Jan 25.

We have a new WNYR P.I. e-mail Address: WNYRSPI@YAHOO.COM and also a new E-fax number: 19284417385

Regional PI by-laws under New Business
Updating phone lines on World website. Information can be forwarded to Mark T.
Dale H requested a $7.64 reimbursement.

Activities - Bill T

Not in attendance. Report is supposed to be emailed to the Secretary. Report was not received at the time of mailings.

Convention - Paul N

Correction was made to minutes on Registration income. Turning over Convention archives including tapes. Checking account is closed with zero balance. Information passed to Gretchen for 2003. Post Office box keys passed to Gretchen, PO Box 151. Payment for PO Box is due in February. Money should be requested to pay it this month. This will be discussed under New Business.
Information from previous year conventions should be archived. All pertinent information has been transferred to CDs or floppy disks. Gretchen would like to throw papers away. Financial information should be kept for 7 years, which the Regional Treasurer keeps. Minutes should be kept as records. The information should be looked through before discarding. Current committee can decide what needs to be saved and be stored in the Chair's basement.
Information on next year's hotel, Holiday Inn Select was discussed. Contract needs to be signed by December 31, 2002 with $500.00 deposit. They know that this was impossible. They will need to know ASAP if we are going to go ahead with this hotel. Merchandise needs to be accounted for and can be retrieved from Paul's' house at any time. Insurance information - policy cancelled in October. Buy October 1st to get two years coverage.
First meeting will be February 2, 2003 at Buffalo State. Communications will contact Buffalo Area if committees are meeting without scheduling. This has become a problem for Buff State with people meeting when it is not available. NA has use of facility until 6pm on the first Sunday of the month.
Gretchen would like to lock in the Holiday Inn Select and get the start up money. Returned checks to be used to open account? This is a Convention issue and should be decided at the Convention committee meeting.
Website - Mark T

See attached report - Convention minutes, schedule and meeting times are posted on website. Changes to meetings, activities and numbers should be written on sheet passed around by Website Chair.

Policy - Nelson

The Policy committee met before the start of the Regional Meeting. We have all pretty much learned a few things amongst ourselves. Points of notices, voting rights and matters of conducting business were discussed as to the direction this body may want to move toward. I am recommending a permanent Policy Chair and committee for Region to continue this project. I am requesting $37.00 for ink and paper for home printer for printing of by-laws, reports and meeting flyers past, present and forthcoming.

Nelson will be stepping down as of the next RSC meeting because the ADHOC committee has fulfilled its objectives. Recommended changes to by-laws can be mailed to Nelson.

Old Business

Tax Exempt number - tabled to next meeting
Regional meeting schedule - will be included in minutes - RCMs should plan ahead for meeting facilities - directions to facilities forwarded to secretary. Possibly add schedule including locations to Regional schedules next year?

New Business

Check requests

Seed Money - includes PO Box - Gretchen is requesting $2500.00 seed money, seconded and passed with all in favor. Check made to WNYRCNA VIII, this will be used for deposit to open account.

Secretary - $30.02 budgeted
PI - $7.64
RD - $129.35

Policy - $37.00 - no receipts for ink and paper. Receipts will be turned in next meeting. Motion passed with all in favor.

Church rent $10.00

Convention - direction for Gretchen - Paul suggested going ahead and trying to renegotiate the deposit.

Discussion ensued about the casino and addicts patronizing the facility. This is an outside issue. Parking may be an issue in Niagara Falls. Suggestion to move the convention will need to be discussed earlier. Concerns were discussed regarding the use of the facility. Last year the entire facility was not available. The Convention Vice-Chair will need to ensure that NA has access to the entire facility. James expressed concern that 3 different hotels were not looked into. Paul has already stated that he checked different hotels and the Holiday Select is the best bet. Hotel prices discussed, all hotel rooms are higher in Niagara Falls due to the casino. Gretchen will need to find hotel or lock in the Holiday Select. James made motion to lock in hotel, no second. Gretchen will lock in hotel herself.

World donations - when does this get brought up? What percentage does the Region send? In the past we sent %15 of profit from the convention. There was not a profit this year. After major expenses, there is over $2000.00 available. There are no major expenses on the horizon. Motion to send $700.00; a second was not made by an Area. Another motion was made to send $1000.00, seconded with an amendment to $2000.00. Motion passed with all in favor.

Workshop World topics - schedule to ensure flyers are distributed, facility locked up and preparation is made. Let website know so that info can be placed as soon as possible. RD and RD Alt will schedule for April. The flyers will be available for website and brought to the March meeting. Activities Chair should be called and involved in the organization. Money will be requested in March.

Regional E-group - Region does not have groups, should be brought up to the Areas - would go under website. Mark will talk to Billy and look into the specifics - would be a discussion group and topics would need to monitored.

Motion to create a standing Policy Committee headed by a Policy Chair. By-laws state these can only be voted in May and November and must be in writing because it is a primary motion that changes the structure of the by-laws. RCMs to bring back to the Areas. Seconded by Ni-O Area RCM. Concern discussed about not being able to fill current positions. Adhoc will dissolve after next RSC and by-laws will need to be updated by the Region. Policy would be a non-voting member.

Closing Balance - $714.39

Motion to Close

Chair report 1-18-2003

As we enter the new year, we are still in need of a convention chair. Hopefully, a qualified nomination will arrive today and be put into place. I had been notified that a few different people would be running for the position at this meeting, only to be later told that some of them would be backing out. I have received messages from members in Buffalo and Niagara Falls stating that they may bring nominations today from their respective areas.

Vice-chair Rodney had intended to start the planning meetings this month for the event but was unable to due to family problems. He will not be here today and he told me that he would send a report with a committee member along with the mail from our PO Box

I have been in touch with a few committee members discussing various general topics within the region, which has been rewarding in it of itself. I have not much else to report except that although this committee has only 2 open position at this time, we do need support and hope that all those present here today can encourage others to help support our service structure at the regional level.

In Service,
Dave M.

01-17-03

To: WNYRSCNA
From: Mark T.
Subject: WNY web site

Hello family:

The WNY regional web site is up and running. There are no major problems to report. I have heard nothing to the contrary so at this point I think it's safe to say that our domain name is ours for the next 5 years and we have paid for hosting for the next year.

I continue to do site maintenance and take care of the mail that is sent to the site and needs attention.

I have asked all of the regional members who get mail from the web site to submit a few words that they would like to have on their auto reply when they are sent mail through the site. To date, some have replied, others have not. As this is a work in progress I will continue to configure the auto responders as the words they want sent out to the visitors become available.

Also, along the lines of e-mail, I have now figured out how to do web based e-mail. This is available for those receiving mail forwarded to them from the site that do not want to loose their anonymity when they reply to e-mail.

If anyone is interested in configuring their auto responder or using web based e-mail let me know today or by e-mail.

Submitted in loving service.

Mark T.

WNYRSC POLICY AD-HOC COMM
RECOMMEDED REGIONAL BY-LAWS REVISIONS JAN.2003

The purpose of this report done at the request of this body was to research our By-Laws for points of notice's, Voting rights, Matters of business conduct, suggesting recommended changes, amendments, and inclusions to By-Laws. This to keep an atmosphere of recovery.
In preparation of this report emphasis was stronger followed to stay along the suggested guide lines according to the`` Local guide to services" by World Services Inc. and Roberts Rule Of Law for defining languages of law.

ARTICLE 1GENERAL

Point of Notice:

D. Governance General (b) The Executive Committee, which consists of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary, Regional Delegate, and Regional Delegate Alternate, shall be deem the Board of Directors and the officers of the corporation.
ARTICLE 2 REGIONALCOMMITTEE MEMBERS

Redefining language of Law or amend:
As an officer of the corporation as stated in article 2,A,(a) RCM's should be stated as an Executive Committee member. Therefore; Article 3 line (b) needs to reflect the proper count of 10 and not 4 as stated.

ARTICLE 4 Voting Privileges as stated for Trusted Servants.
Chairperson= `16' non-voting member of all committees but can vote in accordance to `18', Vice-Chairperson=`6', RD=`9', Secretary=`14', Treasurer= `7', RD-ALT.= no reference for or against in matters of voting in duties lists. However; as per ARTICLE 1 sect."d" line`b' and line 2"a" states votes on all Regional business. Therefore, amendments either need to be made on Art.`1'sect. 'D' line(b) redefining status of RD-ALT, and or include line giving voting rights as trusted servant as per ART. 4 sect. sect. (f).as well as Sections`G', `H',`H',`I',`J', and `K'.
ART`4' sect. `L' in the opinion of this committee base on our findings where no references for Sub committee Vice -Chairpersons have voting privileges we recommend amended inclusion of no voting status at no times for sub-comm.Vice-Chairs.Such positions were not voted in by a group conscience and also because He or She may not meet the require clean time requirement to act as a duly said Sub-Committee Chairperson.

ARTICLE 5 MEETINGS
Article 5 sect.`1' Regular Regional Business meetings should have included within format when voting is to take place. Recommendations for inclusion would serve best if placed within line 5 of the meeting format list.
Point of notice:
Article 5 section `2' for particular matters states that only an RCM may second any motions that requires a second . We have not been following this guideline of our own By-Laws.

Redefine language of law:
Article 5, Section E, sub-sect. 1(a) corrections needed to item double ii . 1-aye, 3-nay, 1-abstention is totaling 5. Item should read; 1-aye,2-nay,1-abstention; motion fails. This is in accordance to using 4 voting members as a 100% voting quorum as an example. Chair person must establish nature of type of business declaring either executive business, group conscience, or regional business, and establish quorum.

ARTICLE 6 ELECTORAL PROCESSES
Article 6 section `A' Needs to read 2 regional business meeting dates reflecting a 4 month period as per our Bi-monthly business meeting schedule.
This work was done possible only by the selfless many and GOD as he express himself in our group conscience. It is up to you now as to what this body decides to act on or not. Easy does it but do something.

Proposed By-Laws for the Regional Public Information Committee:

( Proposed )
Western New York Regional Service Committee of Narcotics Anonymous
Public Information Sub-Committee Guidelines January 9, 2003

I. Name : Western New York Regional Service Committee of Narcotics Anonymous
Public Information Sub-Committee ( W.N.Y.R.S.C.N.A.P.I. )

II. Purpose : The purpose of the WNYR Public Information Sub-Committee is to carry the message of recovery to the still suffering addict by being supportive of the Area Public Information Committees by helping them to inform the public, inside and outside the fellowship, that N.A. exists and offers recovery from addiction. This committee shall provide a forum for the area sub-committees within the region. Additionally, its purpose is to help them with their particular problems and needs, and to keep the lines of communication open between Area P.I. Sub-Committees, W.N.Y.R.S.C.N.A.P.I. the World Service Board P.I. Trustee and the World Service Organization Fellowship Liaison.

III. Functions and Responsibilities:
This P.I. Sub-Committee ... :
1. ... is directly responsible to W.N.Y.R.S.C.N.A. and will adhere to Regional guidelines in all matters.
2. ... is responsible for the creation and maintenance of a Regional P.I. contingency plan.
3. Shall open and maintain the lines of communication between N.A., the public,the individual members,
the areas, regional and world levels of N.A. service; so as to avoid conflicts and / or duplication of efforts.
4. Shall respond to all requests for information in a timely and effective manner and see that such requests are handled at the appropriate level(s) of service.
5. Shall coordinate two (2) P.I. workshops annually.
6. Shall, at the discretion of the P.I. Sub-Committee members, (members listed in section VIII ), agree to be responsible for, or assist with, any project not listed which falls within the boundaries of the Regional P.I. Sub-Committee as determined by these guidelines,W.N.Y.R.S.C.N.A., W.S.O. handbooks, " A Guide to Public Information" and "A Guide to Phoneline Service".
7. Shall assist Area P.I. Sub-Committees in requests for presentations.
8. Update, print ( or select and contract a printer ), and distribute the W.N.Y.R.S.C.N.A. meeting list for the regional convention. These meeting lists will also be distributed to the R.C. M.`s
9. Formulate and submit an annual P.I. budget each May.

IV. Business Meetings:
The W.N.Y.R.S.C.N.A.P.I. Sub-Committee will meet regularly each month. The meeting time and location will be publicized in advance within the fellowship, encouraging all members to attend.

V. Funding:
This P.I. Sub-Committee will maintain a separate yearly budget, funded by, and in accordance with W.N.Y.R.S.C.N.A. guidelines.

VI. Amendments To Guidelines:
1. Any member of the committee may propose an amendment to these procedural guidelines at a regular business meeting of the committee. The proposal must be submitted in writing and will be voted on at the next business meeting of the committee. This time lapse will allow for all voting members who may be absent to be notified of the proposed change. A two thirds ( 2/3 ) majority of voting members present is necessary to amend the guidelines.
2. All amendments to the guidelines are subject to the approval of W.N.Y. R.S.C.N.A..
1
VII. Membership and Voting Procedures
1. Membership of committee shall be comprised of all Area P.I. Sub-Committee Chairpersons and any interested N.A. member who attends the sub-committee meetings.
a. All members in attendance shall have a voice in the sub-committee.
b. Voting privileges are not automatic (see below).
2. Voting privileges shall be limited to all Area P.I. Chairpersons or Vice Chairpersons in the chairs absence. Any interested N.A. member who has attended two consecutive Regional P.I. sub-committee meetings shall also be given voting privileges.
3. In the event that a member misses two consecutive Regional P.I. Sub-committee meetings, voting criteria will have to be re-established.
4. Committee Chairperson only votes in the case of a tie.
5. Motions and seconds can only be made by voting members.
6. The committee chairperson shall determine discussion limits on a particular motion. Appeals to the chairs decision are always in order.
7. Simple majority of voting members will carry a motion.
8. Any member of N.A. has the right to address this sub-committee with P.I. related business.

VIII. Trusted Servents: Qualifications - Election - Removal
1. Trusted servants of this sub-committee are:
a. Chairperson b. Vice-Chairperson
c. Secretary d. Regional Correspondence/ Mailing Secretary
e. General Members f. Area P.I. Chairpersons
2. The Chairperson will be elected in March of each year by W.N.Y.R.S.C.N.A. and is accountable and subject to W.N.Y.R.S.C.N.A. guidelines.
3. Vice-Chairperson, Secretary and Regional Correspondence/Mailing Secretary will be elected in April of each year by the P.I. Sub-committee.
4. Regardless of when trusted servants are elected, all positions are open for nominations in April each year, except the Chairperson who is elected in March.
5. No trusted servant will be eligible to serve more than two (2) terms consecutively in the same position.
6. Relapse constitutes automatic resignation of a trusted servant.
7. Any W.N.Y.R.S.C.N.A. P.I. member may be removed from service by a 2/3 majority vote of this regional subcommittee, except the Chairperson who can only be removed by W.N.Y.S.C.N.A.
8. All trusted servants of W.N.Y.R.S.C.N.A. P.I. must have attended one (1) P.I. workshop, attended a P.I. learning session, must have an N.A. homegroup.
9. All trusted servants must attend the monthly W.N.Y.R.S.C.N.A. P.I. meetings. Two consecutive, unexcused absences constitutes resignation of P.I. commitment. Whether an absence is excused or not will be decided at a group conscience of the trusted servants of the subcommittee.
10. All W.N.Y.R.S.C.N.A. members must keep in mind that they may be seen as a representative of Narcotic Anonymous and will at all times conduct themselves accordingly.

IX. Chairperson
Elected in accordance with, and will be held accountable to W.N.Y.R.S.C.N.A. guidelines, for a one (1) year term. It is the duty of the Public Information Chairperson to:
1. Further the primary purpose of N.A. in carrying the message of recovery to addicts by informing the public about Narcotics Anonymous.
2. Initiate and coordinate actions within the region, ensuring unity and clarity in all P.I. activities.
3. Participate and support in Learning Days and workshops when feasible.
4. Hold a minimum of two (2) P.I. learning days per regional year to address and/or work on problems the members are experiencing, or discuss new methods of P.I. work.
5. To hold regular monthly P.I. sub-committee meetings and additional meetings as needed.
6. Performs any other activities that benefit the P.I. efforts in W.N.Y.R.S.C.N.A.
7. Maintains communications with the World Board on P.I. specific issues so that the member areas may be informed of the activities.
8. Support non-N.A. events which fall within the responsiblities of P.I.
9. Create and distribute regional meeting lists as delegated by the W.N.Y.R.S.C.N.A.
10. Make a final report of the years work at the March R.S.C. meeting.

The required clean time for this position is three (3) years continuous abstinence from all drugs. The term of office for this positon shall begin in the month of March and shall continue for a period of twelve (12) months.

X. Vice Chairperson
Duties and Qualifications
1. Nominated and elected by Regional P.I. sub-committee for a one year term.
2. Term to begin in May.
3. Minimum of two (2) years consecutive clean time.
4. Have a working knowledge of 12 Traditions and 12 Concepts for N.A. service.
5. Have a willingness and desire to serve.
6. Have time and resources necessary to fulfill the needs of the position.
7. Must have a N.A. sponsor and a N.A. homegroup.
8. Work closely with the chairperson in facilitating the smooth operation of the committee and assumes all duties and responsiblities of the chairperson in his or her absence.
9. Will work with this sub-committee to uphold the integrity of N.A. in all correspondence with the general public.
10. Suggested attendance a W.N.Y.R.S.C.N.A. business meetings.
11. Have a minimum of one (1) year involvement with the Public Information committee at area or regional level.

XI. Secretary
Qualifications
1. Nominated and elected by Regional P.I. sub-committee for a one year term.
2. Term to begin in May.
3. Have one (1) year consecutive clean time.
4. Have a willingness and desire to serve.
5. Willingness to give the time and resources necessary to fulfill the needs of the position.
6. Have a working knowledge of the 12 Traditions and 12 Concepts of N.A.
Duties:
1. Will begin each sub-committee meeting by massaging the neck of the chairperson and ensuring she or he has an adequate supply of coffee available.
2. Be able to record and develop written material in a clear and concise manner.
3. Be responsible for recording minutes and keeping a roll call for voting purposes and keep in close contact with W.N.Y.R.P.I. chairperson.
4. Keep a record of all committee members names, addresses and phone numbers.
5. Maintain all necessary stationary supplies needed for secretarial duties and submit receipts for said supplies.

XII. Regional Mailing/Correspondance Secretary
Qualifications
1. Nominated and elected by Regional P.I. sub-committee for a one year term.
2. Suggested minimum one (1) year continuous abstinence.
3. Willingness and desire to serve.
4. Must have a working knowledge of the 12 Traditions and 12 Concepts of N.A. and has attended one P.I. workshop or learning session.
5. Must be working the N.A. program.
Duties:
1. Answer all requests for information from the public through the mail or phone as needed.
2. Refer all requests needing immediate attention, from public agencies and/or professionals, to the appropriate area P.I. chairperson within 24 hours.
3. Maintain mailing supplies and cost of each P.I. business meeting and submit receipts for said supplies.
4. Contacts, coordinates and assists with N.A. responses with Area P.I. Chair affected by all media/correspondence requests. Also, maintain a positive working relationship with media contacts. Develops and maintains a current list of recovering addicts to respond to verbal and written media requests, and maintains supplies necessary for media packages ( i.e. info pack containing 12 Steps, Welcome to N.A.( I P ), N.A. resource in you community, 12 Traditions, Anonymity Statement, Facts about N.A. and (of course) other N.A. information pamphlets as needed.
5. Has the ability and awareness to follow the Regional P.I.Contigency Plan, and submits written reports to the committee.
XIII. Area P.I. Chairpersons
As elected by their Area Service Committees and Qualified by their Area Guidelines and Policies.
Duties:
File a monthly written report on their Area P.I. Committee Activities with this sub-committee; they are encouraged to attend the monthly business meeting of this sub-committee.

XIV. General Members
1. Willingness to serve and attend sub-committee meetings on a regular basis.
2. All sub-committee members need to be thoroughly familiar with the N.A. program and be able to provide information about the N.A. fellowship as detailed in W.S.O. Guide to Public Information.
3. Be willing to help this committee.

These guidlines and parts herein were considered, thought of, prayed about, discussed, formed and written in conjunction with members of W.N.Y.R.S.C.N.A. P.I. committee, Tri-State Regional (Pittsburgh Pa) P.I. committee, South Florida Regional P.I. committee, British Columbia (Canada) Regional P.I. sub-committee and ultimately a greater conscience.