The Al-Anon Information Service serves English-speaking Al-Anon in The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg by providing meeting and convention information. It also serves as a literature distribution centre for the English-speaking Al-Anon Family Groups in the area. Our 7th tradition states that Al-Anon "ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions". Hence, for AIS to provide its service for the English-speaking fellowship in the area, it relies on the active participation of its members.
Participation is also important during our quarterly AIS meetings, where we discuss all relevant topics for AIS service in the area. The attendance of group representatives and general members is needed so AIS can abide to the traditions and concepts while continuing its service work. Everyone is welcome to attend, even curious newcomers! Please send an email to alanonnetherlands@gmail.com for meeting access information.
If you are interested in contributing to AIS Benelux as a trusted servant, take into consideration the following suggested requirements:
Being an active Al-Anon member
Having an understanding of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.
Being available to attend area AIS service committee meetings (approx. 4 times per year).
Being willing to
- carry out the function for 3 years
- work with a service sponsor, where possible
- work with the Al-Anon World Service Manual, Concepts of Service and Warranties
- give full name, address, telephone number when required by the position
- train or be available as a service sponsor for the successor.
You are always welcome to send an email to alanonnetherlands@gmail.com to learn more about our service opportunities!
Planning the AIS meeting (Preferably 3 to 4 times a year)
Set date and time, choose and make reservations for/arrange meeting place or zoom link, create an agenda (with input from others), invite members and GR's to the AIS meetings via email, chairing the AIS meetings in person
Distributing information e.g. from Dutch Al-Anon, AA, and conventions to the Group Representatives and maintaining / building the relationship with aforementioned parties. All this can be done via email
Co-sign the bank account with the AIS treasurer (For joint oversight of the account and to make transactions if the treasurer is unable to)
Co-sign the bank account together with the AIS Coordinator
Produce Treasurer’s report for AIS meetings
Make payments and reimbursements where necessary
Ensure prudent reserve is maintained
Send quarterly an email to the groups to request 7th tradition donation to AIS
Manages PayPal account and generates the QR codes necessary for donations and literature payments at conventions.
Regularly check the AIS email account and distribute emails to relevant persons (LDC, Chairperson, Treasurer, etc)
Check emails coming in and answer questions from newcomers and Al-Anon members new to the area
Update and maintain the AIS emailing list and list of groups and Group Representatives.
Organise the documents and archives on Google Drive, with the exception of the Website folder.
Coordinate the use of the email and Google drive with the webmaster.
Send out AIS meeting invitations and agenda after consultation with the Chairperson
Take the minutes of the AIS meetings, send draft to participants for verification, make changes where necessary, and send final draft to AIS Coordinator
Keep a list of AIS Service positions and the history of the persons filling them on Google Drive. Inform the AIS coordinator minimum 6 months in advance when a service position is due to become vacant.
Update convention list on Google Drive and indicate where LDC has been invited to sell literature
Coordinate with the AIS Webmaster for information posted on the website regarding literature and conventions
Maintain a clear overview of the literature stock, prices, and the value in stock
Check the literature email account on a regular basis for new literature requests. Respond and act on them, dispatching literature to the buyer. Follow up on delivery and payment and maintain records of literature sent
Keep track of “cash in hand” (petty cash)
Place new literature orders with WSO when necessary after consultation with, and approval from, AIS Treasurer
Forward invoices received from WSO to the AIS Treasurer for payment
Check the email for update requests for the website
Organize the documents and pictures that are used in the website in the ‘Website folder’ on Google Drive
Coordinate the use of the email and Google drive with the secretary
Keep the website up to date (meeting info changes, conventions coming up, literature updates). This includes responding to requests from members or other trusted servants, as well as making requests for information when deemed necessary
Participate in AIS meetings
Cooperate with other trusted servants in AIS so that shared documents are updated and the same information is available to everyone (e.g. shared google docs on conventions)