WESTERN NEW YORK REGIONAL DELEGATE REPORT
SEPTEMBER 2000

I am compelled to begin my report as the "lone dissenting voice." Having not met since July 15th-over two months ago-I question whether we are losing a critical flow of information by meeting every other month. It is for this reason that I once again express my ardent desire to meet monthly or to create a system where information flows more frequently. It is also for this reason that my report may take forever to read…

The major highlights:

Northeast Zonal Forum (NEZF)

Freddy, RDA and I attended the NEZF on July 22nd and 23rd in Harrisburg, PA. Thirteen regions from throughout the Northeast were present. Zonal Forums are sharing sessions between geographically linked regions, generally held a few times per year. The purpose of the NEZF is "to discuss issues of mutual concern, address common needs, exchange ideas and share experience to further our primary purpose."

We are at a critical point with the NEZF and much discussion centered around our purpose moving forward. If you recall, our region discussed this in July and concluded that we didn't want the NEZF to formalize its structure. (Attached is the report I submitted on our behalf as well as minutes from the NEZF). It turned out that the entire zone struggled with this issue as we addressed the question, "Function/Purpose of our Zonal Forum-where are we going?" Some regions favored stronger service delivery as well as using the zones to communicate with each other in light in of the new two-year conference cycle. Other regions were dead-set against any change and want the NEZF to be strictly a sharing session. Perhaps the most ironic part of this discussion is the fact that many regions are looking for the NEZF to tell them where the NEZF is going while the NEZF is looking to the regions for direction. We will be discussing this once again at the January NEZF but this time the question is more direct: What does your region need that can be provided by the NEZF?

We also discussed the topic of strengthening our ASCs. Unfortunately, there was an overall lack of input. Lack of participation was a universal issue. One interesting suggestion (RCMs take note): one area hand delivers letters and information to groups that don't show up at the ASC. This would be a great workshop topic!

We came to a confusing conclusion when we discussed the issue of allowing non-RD/RDAs to serve as trusted servants of the NEZF. Most people thought this was okay but also felt having the host region providing a facilitator was acceptable.

In terms of accepting voluntary funding, once again there were those in complete support and those vehemently against. Issues that arose were: what would the funds be used for? Can we discuss this without having a plan? Can we create a plan with the variety of regional consciences-and confusion-expressed?

The topics that will be discussed at the next NEZF-January 13-14th, Atlantic City, New Jersey:

1. What does our region need that can be provided by the NEZF?
2. How can area/regional subcommittees combine their efforts to decrease duplication and increase productivity?

Please provide input and also keep in mind that anyone who wants to attend is welcome.

The NEZF will also meet June 23-24th in Connecticut.

Regions were additionally asked to provide input about MALCNA in the non-conference years.

World Service News

Two topics will be workshopped throughout all of NA this year:

1. How can we continue to provide services to our fellowship and at the same time decrease our reliance on funds from events?
2. How can we create a bridge that builds and maintains a connection to service for Home Group members?

We will conduct a workshop at WNYRCNA but should probably hold a workshop as well.

--Online meeting directory still being finalized. Anyone may access this at www.na.org

More WS News:
Communications Task Force

For the first time in NA's history, NAWS (NA World Services) is taking a comprehensive look at our fellowship communication problems. It stands to reason that a worldwide fellowship such as NA, with 27,000 groups and 28,200 meetings would have problems. A process-led by the Communications Task Force (CTF)-is currently in place to define the problems and offer solutions. Bear in mind that this is a multi-year process which is already well underway.

Findings indicated that the awareness of our members of the functions and resources of NAWS must be improved. Ultimately, the general sense is that members are not being served as well as they could be. Written communications should also be tailored to our varying readerships.

Suffice it to say that there are many issues that the CTF will be addressing. This is an opportune time for the WNY Region to examine our own communications vehicles. Are we effectively serving our members? Do they know what our region does? The CTF has begun a process to address this at the world level and it is incumbent upon us, as part of the service structure, to determine how we can aid the overall communications efforts right here in our region.

Events/Activities

After the successful completion of our convention, I propose that we hold a series of learning days, rotating throughout the region. One thought I had, albeit not the most exciting topic, is fund-flow. We could discuss the benefits of flowing funds to all parts of the service structure as well as detail what the basket is for.

Area Visits: I'd like to put a schedule together today for Freddy and myself to visit our member areas. Maybe we can also gear up to hold our regional meetings in each of the areas as we passed a motion this year indicating that we would do this.

E-Mail Distribution List

Please forward any e-mails that you receive from our region (minutes etc.) to interested parties. Please also provide me with any e-mail addresses so that I can begin to develop an e-mail newsletter.

My Future as RD

At the July meeting we decided that we would discuss the length of my term. As I expressed then, I would like to continue to serve the region as RD but defer to the conscience of the region.
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As always, if you have any questions, call me at 881-1080.