The Australian Regional Service Committee (ARSC) regards the composition and makeup of the ARSC as a matter affecting the Australian NA fellowship as a whole.

Guidelines for seating of Areas at the ARSC

When an Area asks to be seated, the ARSC in cooperation with the Area attempts to determine if seating the new Area is the best way to serve the fellowship within the new Area, the Australian fellowship, and the global NA community.

Seating of a new Area is approached on a case-by-case basis and discussed at the ARSC Meeting where the motion to seat is tabled.

Generally speaking

• a new Area is eligible to apply for seating as a regional participant after having functioned as a service body for two years
• similarly, Areas forming out of an already existing Area must have functioned as a separate body for two years
• the new Area should be able to provide documented information on the current and past service delivery by way of written minutes, detailing the election of trusted servants and their roles and names
• it is suggested that a functional analysis, similar to the process on p 75 Guide to Local Services in Narcotics Anonymous, be carried out by the new Area

Not being seated at the ARSC either through choice or because the ARSC believed it was not in the best interests of the fellowship to seat a new Area does not diminish an NA community’s standing. Communities not seated at the ARSC have the same rights to receive services offered by the ARSC as any other NA community in the Australian region, since the ARSC serves all Australian NA communities. This includes access and inclusion on regional meetings lists, access to publications, group starter kits, and consideration for workshops.

Non-participation of seated Areas

Regions are formed simply to pool and develop local service resources that can be used both by groups and areas in better fulfilling their responsibilities. (p 87 Guide to Local Services in Narcotics Anonymous)

Areas that have not been present at an ARSC Meeting for two years should be approached by the ARSC, by way of the ARSC Chair, or Admin, and asked

• if their Area service structure is still functioning
• if, in their opinion, their status as a seated Area continues to be in the interests of their local groups, the Australian fellowship, and the global NA community
• if there is any assistance or further assistance the ARSC can provide

Non-functioning Areas may be unseated from the ARSC following two years of non-participation. This will be tabled as a motion at the next ARSC Meeting following an approach to the Area from the ARSC.

Non-functioning Areas will need to then re-apply if they wish to be seated again.

The ARSC recognises it is often the case that communities not present at the ARSC Meetings may need more assistance than those communities present. These may be addressed through referral to the Fellowship Development (FD) Subcommittee.