Last Updated on 9 February 2022 by policychair
Service Board and Subcommittee accountability to NA Groups
The Australian Fellowship of Narcotics Anonymous (NA), as given authority by its Groups through their Regional Committee Members (RCMs) at its Regional Service Committee (RSC), accomplishes its tasks through its service boards and committees.
The Fellowship Service Office (FSO), its Management Committee, and all Australian Regional Service Committee (ARSC) Subcommittees are accountable to Australian Groups through the ARSC.
Accountability by these bodies to NA Groups is facilitated by provision of regular and accurate reports of all significant activities to the ARSC.
At ARSC Meetings, the answering of questions directed to service bodies or Subcommittees is considered a part of their accountability.
Work groups may be formed according to need, and are accountable to the ARSC.
Subcommittee accountability and right of decision
In accordance with the 9th Tradition, each Subcommittee is responsible to those they serve.
Each Subcommittee has the right of decision. That is, the right to decide what is to be dealt with by the Subcommittee and what is to be taken back to the ARSC. The Subcommittee is expected to use this right wisely, and it does not mean that the Subcommittee is not accountable to the ARSC.
Subcommittee Chairs are not to hold meetings in public places such as coffee shops.
ARSC relationship to service boards and Subcommittees
The ARSC neither manages nor controls its boards or Subcommittees, but rather supports them in carrying out their functions according to their intended purpose and guidelines, as endorsed by the ARSC.
The FSO is a registered, non-profit, incorporated body in accordance with NSW and Australian laws. As a legally incorporated body, the FSO is also bound by its Articles of Association and Rules. The ARSC cannot direct the FSO to take any action which will constitute a breach of any of these.
The ARSC has the right to make specific recommendations to service boards or Subcommittees regarding their general operations.
Service boards and Subcommittees have the right of decision, that is, the right to decide on the manner in which any motion or matter may be implemented, or whether it is referred back to the ARSC. Should the ARSC wish to recommend changes to the operations of boards or Subcommittees, a motion is tabled for discussion at the next ARSC Meeting requesting the board or Subcommittee to look into the feasibility of such a change. The service board or Subcommittee will then make a report as soon as possible back to ARSC Admin or the ARSC as a whole, whichever is most expedient, as to whether this change can be made, with supporting reasons why or why not.
The nature of the relationship between the ARSC and its service boards and Subcommittees is a spiritual rather than legal one, and based in the spiritual principles of the Narcotics Anonymous program. These exist solely to serve the NA Fellowship.