GNWI Noticeboard
A summary of current vacant positions at Glasgow Northwest Intergroup, for which we need trusted servants to step forward to help us carry the message to the still suffering alcoholic;
Please note:
The role of a liaison officer is pivotal to the effective functioning of our Intergroup. Each liaison officer is entrusted with the crucial task of providing a concise report to the secretary when unable to attend the bi-monthly Intergroup meeting. This report is vital as it ensures continuity and the flow of information, which is the backbone of our collaborative efforts.
Moreover, the presence of liaison officers at bi-monthly Intergroup meetings is not just a formality but a significant aspect of their role (dates of meetings can be found here). Their attendance is essential for representing the group’s conscience and contributing to the collective decision-making process. We hold the principle that if a trusted servant is unable to fulfill this duty for more than three months, it is in the best interest of the group’s conscience that they step down. This underscores the importance we place on active participation and engagement in our Intergroup’s proceedings.
The election of an intergroup liaison officer is a process that takes place within the intergroup assembly, reflecting the democratic and inclusive nature of our fellowship. To ensure that the officers are well-equipped for their responsibilities, it is recommended that they have at least two years of continuous sobriety at the time of election. Additionally, to promote fresh perspectives and vitality within our service structure, the tenure of some liaison officer should ideally not exceed three years (there are exceptions to this guiding principle).
This role is not only a service to the Intergroup but also a commitment to the principles and progress of our collective mission. It is through the dedication and active involvement of our liaison officers that we can maintain a strong and responsive Intergroup, capable of supporting our members and carrying the message effectively.
All intergroups, including Glasgow North West Intergroup (GNWI), can appoint three representatives to the Glasgow Regional Assembly (Region) as voting members. The requirement for an RR is suggested as 2 years continuous sobriety.
We currently have 1 vacancy for a RR at GNWI.
Glasgow Region is comprised of five Glasgow wide inter-groups as follows: –
Glasgow North West
Clydebank & District
Glasgow South
Glasgow East
Monklands
Region meets in physical format six times a year – alternating months commencing in January each year.
In addition to the intergroup members of the Regional Assembly, Glasgow Region has a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary. This structure also reflects the structure as operated at Glasgow North West with Regional positions covering the likes of Health, Prisons, Criminal Justice, Young People, Employment, Telephones etc.
Following structure, Region does not provide any form of oversight over the affairs of its constituent intergroups and primarily exists to co-ordinate and facilitate the operation of AAs structure and communication of AAs message across Greater Glasgow as trusted servants of AA. Region facilitates the conscience of Greater Glasgow AA to the UK General Service Office in York based on the conscience of Greater Glasgow as determined by the combined conscience of the Regions constituent intergroups. The primary role of GNWIs RRs is therefore to carry the conscience of GNWI to Region and to communicate back to GNWI as trusted servants matters arising at Region for GNWIs information, review, and consideration where appropriate.
A written report is presented in advance on behalf of GNWI for each Regional Assembly based on the affairs and activities of the intergroup since the last Regional Assembly – usually by the Thursday prior to the meeting. It is suggested that GNWI RRs take alternate turns in the preparation of this report and agree its contents in advance of the required submission. In addition, the nominated GNWI RR for the relevant meeting will prepare a written report for GNWI based on the affairs and activities of Region for presentation to the next forthcoming GNWI meeting.
It is suggested that RRs for all intergroups, through participation at Glasgow Region, avail themselves of the opportunity to take on Regional LO positions as and when they become available. In addition, RRs can make themselves available as potential conference and conventions delegates for Region as they so wish.
This is an interesting opportunity to progress an individuals knowledge and awareness of AA and how it operates, and to assist in the Unity of structure that our Fellowship requires to support our other pillars of Recovery and Service.
If anyone needs/wants to be 12 stepped or chat about the role into please let our secretary know and this can be arranged.
The responsibility of ELOs is to carry AAs 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 three years) and a thorough knowledge of the AA Service Handbook for Great Britain are necessary before accepting this role. Willingness to commit to 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 main tasks of the intergroup liaison officer are
- Obtaining and reading the Liaison Officers Pack: Probation/CJS and using it as the Liaison Officer feels appropriate, and using the AA Web site’s section on Probation/ CJSWS Liaison for information and resource material
- To establish/maintain links in the intergroup area with:
- Offender management services dealing with non-custodial sentences
- Bail hostels and similar facilities
- Magistrates/Justices, local courts and court officer
- Police forces
- Solicitors’ organisations
- Other professionals having regular contact with probationers
- Report to each intergroup meeting by the Liaison Officer to keep intergroup informed on a regular basis. A copy of each intergroup report should be sent to the regional Probation/CJSWS Liaison Officer, who should be kept informed of developments in the intergroup.
- Maintaining lists of contacts, Twelve Steppers, helpers etc so that continuity of service can be eased
- Attending regional Workshops when available, and keeping in contact with the regional Liaison Office
- Attending AA’s national Probation/Criminal Justice Social Work Seminars when these are arranged Some intergroups have a flourishing relationship with their local offender management services department. In others there will have been little contact.
It is for each Liaison Officer to decide the best way of taking the role forward. Some suggested methods are as follows:
- Setting up a committee or team to assist in the work and to Twelfth Step any probationers.
Establishing a named contact in each local offender management service office in the area, and with the courts service, police and other organisations - Distributing approved AA literature and posters for display in offender management service offices bail hostels, court office and police stations, and to be given by them to offenders. Material given to offenders might include stories from AA members who have encountered similar problems, which are available from the AA Web site and the Prison induction pack
- Attending meetings with individuals and teams in the offender management service to inform
them of how AA works and what it does and does not do. - Attending similar meetings with courts staff, solicitors, the police etc.
- Arranging to provide speakers for offender groups such as alcohol awareness sessions, perhaps with the help of members who have experienced aspects of the criminal justice system.