Vacant Service Positions

Archivist

Archivists share the aim of preserving the Fellowship's past and ensuring that fact prevails over fiction or myth. They are responsible for collecting, arranging, preserving and providing access to permanent historical records of enduring value. The nature of the archival materials they deal with is usually unpublished and unique. They employ professional standards and practices unique to archiving to ensure the safety, security, integrity and authenticity of the materials under their care. They are also responsible for ensuring the protection of the anonymity of members of AA, past and present, and the confidentiality of records concerning them

The role of the Archivist can be considered therefore to be twofold:

i. There is a custodial responsibility for maintaining the physical integrity of the collection;

ii. There is an interpretative responsibility for creating an inventory of the collection in such a way that it is a source of knowledge and understanding.

In these ways archivists seek to fulfill Bill W's urging that archives are needed "so that myth doesn't prevail over fact".  AA Archivists are "keepers of the past", and many archivists conduct historical research for the groups they serve. But in all cases the archives they look after carry the message from yesterday into today so that those who want help can hear the message tomorrow.

Unlike those who hold other service positions with the Fellowship, archivists are not subject to the normal principle of rotation after three years, since continuity at all levels has been shown, through experience, to be a vital aspect of archival work. But when they do resign their position as archivist, they should try to find, with the help of their region or intergroup, a successor who is prepared to act as a custodian of the archive they have been caring for.

Employment Liaison Officers (ELOs)

The responsibility of ELOs is to carry AA's message to employers within their local area, supported by intergroup and region and a PI/Service Committee if one exists. Employment specifically concerns any organisation employing or serving staff companies, trade unions and associations, government departments and/or related agencies. An established period of sobriety (ideally not less than two years) and a good knowledge of the AA Service Handbook for Great Britain are necessary before accepting this role. Willingness to commit to not less than two years and not more than three years service and the ability to deal with a wide range of professional people and talk about AA when invited to do so, are also qualities that have proven to be desirable. The service term may depend on the individual conscience of the Intergroup.