Triple Cities Area of Narcotics Anonymous Revised: February 2015

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1 Triple Cities Area of Narcotics Anonymous Revised: February 2015 BRIEF HISTORY OF TCANA: The first Narcotics Anonymous meeting in this area occurred in 1983 and the First Presbyterian Church on Chenango Street in Binghamton. That group, known as the New Beginnings Group is still going strong; they meet at the same location on Tuesday nights at 7:00 pm. Soon after that group formed others formed, but eventually dwindled and closed. The New Beginnings Group continued to meet and carry the message of recovery, but there was little commitment and understanding of the need to go on. In 1985, at the first New York Regional Convention, it was decided to start an Area Service Committee so that groups could support one another in their primary purpose of carrying the message to the addict who still suffers. In January of 1986, the first meeting of the Southern Tier Area Service Committee (now known as the Triple Cities Area Service Committee) was held in Ithaca. This committee served a very large geographical area, with members from Ithaca, Binghamton, Cortland, Corning and Elmira. The fellowship grew, with many more groups starting up in the area and joining the Area Service Committee. In 1990 the ASC started rotating their meetings to Binghamton because of the growth and support from this area s meetings. In the meantime, Area support from Ithaca, Cortland, Elmira, and Corning began to wane for various reasons; including the fact that the area was incapable of providing services for such a large geographic area. In spite of the, we continued on the same path for a few more years. In 1991, the Area Service Committee was moved to Owego, a central meeting location for all the different NA groups. Changes began to occur in Starting with Ithaca forming their own Area with the Cortland groups. With only one group outside of the Binghamton locale participating occasionally in the area service structure, we voted to form a new area and we decided to call ourselves the Triple Cities Area of Narcotics Anonymous. Our service subcommittees can now serve the groups of this area more efficiently and more consistently. STATEMENT: ON SERVICE Everything that occurs in N.A. service must be motivated by the desire to more successfully carry the message of recovery to the addict who still suffers. It was for this reason that these guidelines have been compiled. We must always remember that as Individuals, Members, Groups, Areas or Subcommittees, we must never be in competition with each other. We work separately and together in an effort to help the newcomer and for our common good. We have learned painfully, that strife cripples our fellowship; it prevents us from providing the services necessary to grow as a fellowship. AS QUOTED FROM THE SERVICE MANUAL OF N.A. (1979): "To assure that no addict seeking recovery need die without having found a chance to live a new and better way of life: From this day forward may we provide the necessary services." N.A. Guidelines - 1

2 ARTICLE I. DEFINITION, PURPOSE, AND FUNCTION A. Definition -- An Area Service Committee (ASC) is a committee made up of Group Service Representatives (GSRs) from all groups within the Triple Cities Area of N.A. (TCANA). 1. The Triple Cities Area shall be comprised of any group that choose to join. 2. New groups that want to be added to the TCANA meeting list schedule must have 3 consecutive months of meetings before they can be added. However, new groups can be added to the phoneline and WebPage upon submitting a group registration with the PR Subcommittee. B. Purpose --This service committee is designed to serve the common needs of its member groups. C. Function --The Triple Cities Area Service Committee of Narcotics Anonymous (TCASCNA) meets monthly to: ARTICLE II. 1. Unify its member groups. 2. Carry the N.A. message through Subcommittee actions. 3. To provide a link between area groups and the world wide fellowship of N.A. 4. To provide service and support to area groups. Provide a Group Starter Kit free of charge and without need for an ASC vote to any new group which meets the following two (2) conditions: The group must register with WSO through the TCANA Public Relations Subcommittee. (To register, a group must know where and when the group will meet.) The group must send a GSR or Alternate GSR to the Area body to request the starter kit. 5. To accomplish those tasks which groups find difficult to do alone. 6. Policy Chair, Policy Co-chair, RCM, RCM-Alternate will chair the ASC meeting in the absence of an ASC Chair or Co-chair. 7. The ASC will finance an Annual Learning Day to be hosted by the ASC s subcommittees. 8. If quorum is not met, Administrative and subcommittee reports will be given and another attempt to establish quorum will be conducted. If quorum is still not met, non-voting reimbursements will be issued, Committee and Administrative reports will be delivered so that minutes can be distributed. VOTING PARTICIPANTS Any NA group that is a member of the TCASCNA shall have one vote accorded to its GSR, GSR Alternate or designee. N.A. Guidelines - 2

3 ARTICLE III. VOTING PROCEDURES A. A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of active member groups. (Take attendance from last two months ASC and divide by 4) A quorum must be reached and maintained for the committee to conduct business. B. In the event that quorum is lost, voting issues will cease. Subcommittee reports will be submitted, bills will be paid, (non-voting) reimbursements will be issued and minutes will be dispersed. C. MOTIONS: The following Trusted Servants may make motions: 1. Chairperson 2. Co-Chairperson 3. Secretary 4. Co-Secretary 5. Treasurer 6. Co-Treasurer 7. RCM 8. RCM Alternate 9. GSRs 10. GSR Alternates 11. Subcommittee Chairs 12. Subcommittee Co-Chairs D. DISCUSSION OF MOTIONS 1. All N.A. members in attendance at the ASC meeting shall have the right to participate in discussion (members must be recognized by the Chair before speaking, and comments should be directed to the committee as a whole). 2. Main motions brought to the floor that have not been submitted seven (7) days prior to the ASC meeting must have a simple majority vote to be entertained. Otherwise the motion is tabled until the next ASC meeting. 3. Main motions shall be limited to some discussion and three (3) pros and three (3) cons before voting. All main motions must be written out on a motion form. The Chairperson will ask for opposition before opening discussion. a.) Motions from groups and ASC Subcommittees do not require a second. N.A. Guidelines - 3

4 4. All motions concerning changes of the guidelines of the TCASCNA will be referred to the Policy Subcommittee for review before voting. In the event there is no active Policy Subcommittee, the Steering committee will be directed to review motions that affect policy of the ASC and give it s recommendations to the TCASC. E. VOTING 1. Only GSRs and Alternate GSRs shall be allowed to vote on new Area business (The Chairperson will vote in case of a tie). All group votes brought to the ASC will be handed to the ASC chairperson should the GSR or GSR Alternate need to leave early. 2. The following types of motions shall be processed through the discussion stage: a.) Guideline changes. b.) Motions from the NNYRSCNA. c.) Main motions. 3. Any motion may be referred for Group Conscience at the discretion of a simple majority of member groups present. These motions shall be in the form of a written ballot, stating the intent and incorporating a brief description of the pros and cons. 4. All Standing Rules (any items on an addendum) of the ASC Bylaws must be incorporated into the guidelines, renewed, or will expire two years from their inception. ARTICLE IV. ELECTION OF TRUSTED SERVANTS A. Elections of Chair, Co-Chair, Secretary, Co-Secretary, Treasurer, Co-Treasurer, all Subcommittee Chairs, RCM and RCM Alt. will be held in August. Nominations for these positions shall be open in June. B. Nomination/Election of Trusted Servants to be as follows: 1. Nominations should be solicited from each member group within the area two months prior to any regularly scheduled election (June) 2. Nominations to be opened and received at the ASC one month prior to any regular election (July). 3. An explanation from these guidelines is given to establish each positions' qualifications, duties and responsibilities. 4. Each nomination must be seconded. 5. After accepting nominations from groups, the Chair will ask the floor if there are any further nominations. 6. Nominations will be closed one month prior to any regular election (July). N.A. Guidelines - 4

5 7. When nominations are accepted, each nominee should state their qualifications for serving the fellowship as a whole in this area (state clean time, past service experience, and "why" you can and want to serve the fellowship). 8. Voting is done by closed paper ballot except for votes of acclimation discussed later in this section. 9. If two or more nominees are being considered for a position, the nominees will be asked to leave the room, at which time a simple majority, closed paper ballot vote will be taken. Abstentions will not count and will be removed from the tally (total) of voting groups. 10. This procedure is repeated until all positions are filled or tabled. 11. In the case of only one nomination, the nominee should be asked to leave the room, and a ¾ majority of groups present vote can be taken by acclimation. If a ¾ majority of groups present cannot be achieved, the nomination will be tabled until following month. Abstentions will not count and will be removed from the tally (total) of voting groups. 12. Nominees must be present to be elected, or in the event a nominee is unable to attend the scheduled meeting at which elections are to take place, the submission of a letter with an explanation of absence, expression of willingness to serve, will allow elections to proceed. Nominations should be accepted in person, or with the submission of a letter with explanation of absence, expression of willingness to serve, and a list of qualifications. In the event the nominee does not attend or send a letter the nominee must be re-nominated A vote is taken and repeated until a single nominee receives the majority support of the member groups present. In a case where no single nominee receives the support of a clear majority, the nominee who received the least support will be excluded prior to each subsequent vote. 14. A Trusted Servant may be elected for a maximum of two complete, consecutive terms or thirty months, whichever comes first, for the same position. 15. In the event a Trusted Servant position is not filled by election, the Chair may appoint a member to interim* duties of the position with the approval of a simple majority of member groups present. *Interim position holders may also retain their other trusted servant positions C. Resignations Voluntary: Given in writing to the ASC Chairperson prior to the ASC meeting. 2. Involuntary: a.) Misses one ASC meeting without advising Alternate or submitting a written report without just cause. This absence shall be accorded during the roll call immediately after the break. b.) Relapse during term of service. N.A. Guidelines - 5

6 c.) Removal by 3/4 of active member groups for breach of Traditions or failure to perform duties and responsibilities. d.) A trusted servant who is removed more than once from their position shall not be eligible for re-nomination for the duration of that term. ARTICLE V. QUALIFICATIONS FOR TRUSTED SERVANTS No officer of the Triple Cites Area Service Committee or Chair/Co-Chair of a TCASC Subcommittee shall be a Group Service Representative or Alternate. In addition, no officer or Subcommittee chairperson or Co-Chairperson may hold more than one service position at the TCASCNA. The Newsletter and Literature Committees may have the same chairperson. A. Chairperson 2. One year commitment. 3. Minimum of two years continuous abstinence. 4. Minimum of one year Triple Cities Area of Narcotic Anonymous (TCANA) involvement. 5. Working on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of N.A. through 6. Time and resources to be an active participant. B. Co-Chairperson 2. Minimum of one year s continuous abstinence. 3. Minimum of one year TCANA involvement. 4. Working on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of N.A. through. 5. Time and resources to be an active participant. 6. With the understanding that at the end of a one year term, may move into Chair position. (Open nominations will still be held) C. Secretary 2. One year commitment. 3. Minimum of one year continuous abstinence. N.A. Guidelines - 6

7 4. Minimum of six months TCANA involvement. 5. Working on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of N.A. through 6. Time and resources to be an active participant. D. Co-Secretary 2. Minimum of six months continuous abstinence. 3. Minimum of three months TCANA involvement. 4. Working on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of N.A. through 5. Time and resources to be an active participant. 6. With the understanding that at the end of a one year term, may move into Chair position. (Open nominations will still be held) E. Treasurer 2. One year commitment. 3. Minimum of two years continuous abstinence. 4. Minimum of one year TCANA involvement. 5. Working on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of N.A. through 6. Time and resources to be an active participant. F. Co-Treasurer 2. Minimum of two years continuous abstinence. 3. Minimum of one year TCANA involvement. 4. Working on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of N.A. through 5. Time and resources to be an active participant. 6. With the understanding that at the end of a one year term, may move into the Treasurer s position. (Open nominations will still be held) G. Regional Committee Member N.A. Guidelines - 7

8 2. One year commitment. 3. Minimum of two years continuous abstinence. 4. Minimum of one year TCANA involvement. 5. Working on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of N.A. through 6. Time and resources to be an active participant. $0.40 per mile for reimbursement of travel expenses $30.00 per day for meal expenses 7. RCM must have prior approval by simple majority vote to attend special Regional functions excluding regular Regional meetings. Detailed financial requests must be submitted in writing to the ASC prior to the function. H. Regional Committee Member Alternate 2. Minimum of one year continuous abstinence. 3. Minimum of one year TCANA involvement. 4. Working on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of N.A. through 5. Time and resources to be an active participant. 6. With the understanding that at the end of a one year term, may move into Chair position. (Open nominations will still be held) I. Subcommittee Chairperson 2. One year commitment. 3. Minimum of two Years continuous abstinence. 4. Minimum of one year TCANA involvement. 5. Working on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of N.A. through 6. Time and resources to be an active participant. J. Subcommittee Co-Chairpersons N.A. Guidelines - 8

9 2. One year continuous abstinence. 3. One year TCANA involvement. 4. Working on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of N.A. through 5. Time and resources to be an active participant. 6. Election must be submitted to the ASC for approval by a simple majority of member groups in attendance. K. Subcommittee Trusted Servants 2. One year commitment. 3. Minimum of six months continuous abstinence. 4. Minimum N.A. involvement to be determined by the Subcommittee body. 5. Working on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of N.A. through 6. Time and resources to be an active participant. 7. Subcommittee Co-Chairs, Secretaries and Treasurers shall be elected by members of each Subcommittee. L. Subcommittee Members 2. All N.A. members are encouraged to participate. ARTICLE VI. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTED SERVANTS All TCASCNA Trusted Servants shall be required to attend the scheduled meeting of the TCASC in its entirety. A. Chairperson 1. Compiles a pre-arranged agenda prior to each ASC meeting. All input, ideas, and motions should be submitted to the Chairperson, seven (7) days prior to each ASC meeting. Agenda to be presented to ASC participants at the start of each ASC meeting. 2. Presides over all meetings of the TCASCNA. N.A. Guidelines - 9

10 3. Maintains lines of communication between the TCASCNA and all groups throughout the year. 4. Uses TCANA parliamentary procedures (see Article IX) to maintain committee procedures. 5. To be absolutely fair and impartial. 6. To refrain from discussing motions when presiding. 7. May be a co-signer on all bank accounts of the TCASCNA. 8. In the event of absent Treasurer and Co-Treasurer, the ASC Chairperson will collect the donations and no monies will be allocated until the following ASC meeting. Receipts will be written and handed out to Groups by a trusted servant. The Chairperson will hold all donations until transferred to the Treasurer for deposit into the bank account as soon as possible. B. Co-Chairperson 1. Performs all duties and has all powers of the Chairperson in his/her absence. 2. "Ad-Hoc" member of all Subcommittees. 3. Acts as a liaison between the Subcommittees to assure proper functioning of said Subcommittees per ASC guidelines. 4. May be a co-signer on all bank accounts of the TCASCNA. 5. Has the key to the post office box and checks the box at least twice during the month. Distributes all mail accordingly to the appropriate people/subcommittees in a timely fashion. C. Secretary 1. Is responsible for the written and verbal records of the ASC meetings. 2. Maintains a mailing list (Consisting of telephone Numbers, addresses and addresses) of all ASC members and groups throughout the area. 3. Types and distributes minutes no later than fourteen days following each ASC meeting. Distribution of these minutes to be as follows: a.) ASC members -- Priority given to the Chairperson and the GSRs. b.) Webmaster 4. Secretary will keep previous two years of minutes on hand and for t he previous five years at Dave Buckley s in the filing cabinet. D. Co-Secretary 1. To assist the Secretary in the completion of his/her duties and responsibilities as stated above. 2. Performs all duties of Secretary in his/her absence. N.A. Guidelines - 10

11 E. Treasurer 1. Must sign all TCASCNA bank account checks along with one other officer of the TCASC. 2. Keeps an accurate record of all transactions. 3. Prepares and presents monthly reports including copies of current bank statements. 4. Disburses monies as per the conscience of the ASC upon submission of receipt or through the ASC procedural vote when a receipt is missing. 5. Collects all donations from individuals, groups, or Subcommittees. Only cash, money orders or Subcommittee bank checks will be allowed. No personal checks can be accepted. 6. Gives and keeps receipts for income and disbursements for the previous two years on hand and for the previous five years at Dave Buckley s in the filing cabinet. 7. Below listed expenses may be funded by the ASC Treasurer without procedural vote of the ASC. Item and subject to be listed in the Treasurer's report at the following ASC meeting. a.) Postage and mailing expenses for ASC minutes and agenda. b.) c.) d.) Copies, paper, envelopes, ASC P.O. Box rental and Phone-Line expenses. Prepares a donation following each ASC meeting of 10% of all area donations or $30, whichever is greater and gives it to the RCM to submit to the NNYRSCNA in the form of a check. Any funds generated from an outside source or Subcommittee other than funds originally donated by the ASC will become a part of the ASC general fund and be categorized under group donations. Travel expenses for TCASCNA Trusted Servants for regularly scheduled and emergency NNY Regional meetings (140 miles) at $0.40 per mile to fulfill the duties of their positions, excluding TCASC and Subcommittee meetings. 8. Additional Regional donations can be provided by a simple majority vote of member groups present at any scheduled ASC meeting. 9. Will make direct payments for ASC purchases whenever possible. 10. Maintains physical possession of checkbooks/checks. F. Co-Treasurer To assist the Treasurer in the completion of his/her duties and responsibilities as stated above. N.A. Guidelines - 11

12 2. Performs all duties of Treasurer in the event of his/her absence. G. Regional Committee Member 1. The primary responsibility is to work for the common good of N.A. by providing two-way communication between the ASC and the rest of N.A., primarily the Northern New York Regional Service Committee. 2. Present minutes of the RSC, information from other areas, regions (conventions, conferences, etc.) and the contents of the World Service Conference Agenda Report (CAR). 3. Attends as many group business meetings as possible. 4. Attends the RSC. 5. Attends as many TCASC functions as possible. 6. Is a member of at least one ASC Subcommittee. H. Regional Committee Member Alternate 1. Works closely with the RCM to Prepare to assume the position of RCM the following year. 2. Performs all duties and has all powers of the RCM in his/her absence. 3. Attends as many group business meetings as possible. 4. Attends the RSC. 5. Attends as many TCASC functions as possible. 6. Is a member of at least one ASC Subcommittee. ARTICLE VII. STEERING COMMITTEE A. The Triple Cities Area Service Committee shall have seven (7) members of the Steering Committee. The members of the Steering Committee shall be the ASC's Chairperson, Co-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Regional Committee Member and two (2) active GSRs. The ASC Co-Chairperson shall be the Chairperson of this committee. At the August meeting, two (2) active GSRs shall be selected as members of the Steering Committee. (*) The members of this committee shall hold office for a one (1) year term, or until their successors are selected, which ever comes first, provided that they continue to meet the qualifications required by these Guidelines. Their term of office shall begin at the end of the meeting at which they are selected. No person shall be eligible to serve more than two (2) complete consecutive terms or thirty (30) months on this committee, as per these guidelines. A selection to fill a vacancy in this committee shall occur within two (2) regular meetings after the vacancy arises. Notice of intent to fill a vacancy shall be provided. B. The Steering Committee Shall make recommendations to the Area Service Committee, perform any other duties expressly delegated to it by the ASC, to N.A. Guidelines - 12

13 include but not limited to; when a financial review is to take place, as per the NA Treasure's Handbook, review and give recommendations on any and all financial issues and/or changes, and shall perform such other duties as are specified in these guidelines. The Steering Committee shall be subject to the orders of the Area Service Committee, and none of these acts shall conflict with action taken by the ASC. C. The Steering Committee shall meet at any time deemed necessary by its Chairperson, the Area Service Committee Chairperson or as directed by the ASC. This committee will submit a written report of its activities at each ASC meeting, keep minutes of all its meetings and a record of all its income and disbursements from each function it provides. ARTICLE VIII. SUBCOMMITTEES A. Forming New Subcommittees To form a new Subcommittee or to reactivate one, the following steps should be taken: 1. A letter to identify the needs that this Subcommittee may better serve the Area is presented. 2. The proposal is brought forth under New Business. 3. A motion must be made and seconded. 4. A motion must be made at this time to send it back to the groups for consideration. 5. A 3/4 majority of active member groups is necessary for approval. 6. If approval is reached, normal election of Chairperson may take place. 7. The Subcommittee shall be responsible for proposing guidelines for ASC approval. B. Elimination of a Subcommittee To eliminate or deactivate a Subcommittee these steps should be taken: 1. A motion is made under New Business and must be seconded. 2. A motion must be made at this time to send it back to the groups for consideration. 3. A 3/4 majority of active member groups is necessary to dissolve a Subcommittee. 4. The splitting of Subcommittees into more specific duties (such as H & I into treatment facilities and armed services) to better serve the addict who still suffers, may be done at any time following the above guidelines for "Formation of New Subcommittees." N.A. Guidelines - 13

14 C. Outline for Subcommittees 1. In order to minimize the amount of time spent debating in ASC meetings, a Subcommittee system is used by the TCASCNA. 2. It is important to note that the Subcommittees cannot do the day to day work. Only the members can do this, which means that each Subcommittee needs active participation. The TCASCNA covers a large geographical area and meets only twelve times in a year unless a special session is requested. This means that most of the work must be done in Subcommittees. Initiation and finalization of these projects takes place al the ASC meetings. 3. Each Subcommittee Chairperson should establish lines of communication with the appropriate RSC Subcommittee. 4. Each Subcommittee should submit a written report at each ASC meeting. This report should include minutes of Subcommittee meetings, plans, ideas, motions for initiation, finalization or implementation, and a financial report and or request. 5. Each Subcommittee is autonomous, but is responsible to the ASC. In order to better serve, a Subcommittee may choose to elect Trusted Servants, open a bank account, etc. 6. Subcommittee Treasurers can not issue any reimbursements without a submitted receipt. 7. Each Subcommittee should submit their own revised Subcommittee guidelines when the ASC guidelines are revised and submitted. D. Outline of Duties and Responsibilities of Subcommittees 1. Hospitals and Institutions (H&I) This committee consists of a Chairperson, all H&I meeting Panel Leaders, Panel coordinators and any N.A. member who wishes to carry the message of recovery into hospitals and institutions. This committee acts as a resource to members and groups in their efforts to carry the N.A. message of recovery from the disease of addiction to those who cannot come to us. This Subcommittee shall unify efforts of "twelfth step" work within hospitals and institutions. The Subcommittee will follow the suggestions in the World Service Conference Hospitals and Institutions Handbook to the best of its ability. This Subcommittee will keep all additional guidelines and examples of all information that has been used to carry out the tasks of this Subcommittee. This Subcommittee will keep minutes of all its meetings and a record of all its income and disbursements from each function it provides. 2. Public Relations (PR) This Subcommittee consists of a Chairperson and any N.A. members who wish to further inform the community as to what N.A. is, where N.A. can be found, and how N.A. can be of help. This Subcommittee shall unify efforts of public information and relations inside and outside the fellowship of N.A. The Subcommittee will follow the suggestions in the Public Relations Handbook to the best of its ability. This Subcommittee will update and/or maintain N.A. N.A. Guidelines - 14

15 meeting schedules, voic phoneline, WebPage and continue community outreach program through mailing of PI informational packages. The Subcommittee will keep all additional guidelines and examples of all information that has been used to carry out the tasks of this Subcommittee. This Subcommittee will keep minutes of all its meetings and a record of all its income and disbursements from each function it provides. 3. Policy This Subcommittee consists of a Chairperson and all members of the TCASC. Its purpose is to consider any input referred by the TCASCNA that affects the policy of the ASC and upon deliberation, give a recommendation to the ASC. This Subcommittee is responsible for the maintenance of the TCASC guidelines. It will produce a revised set for distribution at the July meeting of the ASC. It will also produce addenda including any interim changes for distribution. This Subcommittee will keep minutes of all its meetings and a record of all its income and disbursements from each function it provides. 4. Activities (A&E) This Subcommittee consists of a Chairperson and any interested N.A. members. The Subcommittee is responsible for holding activities such as dances, parties, picnics, workshops, events, etc. that are attractive to the newcomer. The primary purpose of this Subcommittee is to reach the still suffering addict and help promote unity within the TCANA. The secondary purpose of this Subcommittee is to raise funds for ASC needs. The proceeds from these fund raisers shall he distributed where needed under the direction of the ASC by procedural vote. This Subcommittee will keep minutes of all its meetings and a record of all its income and disbursements from each function it provides. There is a $ Cap on available funds. 5. Literature This subcommittee consists of a chairperson and any interested N.A. members. This subcommittee deals with our primary purpose as it is achieved through writing. This subcommittee will follow the suggestions in the WSC literature handbook, and the TCANA literature guidelines. The subcommittee will communicate with the NNYRLC in order to receive new literature to be reviewed. This subcommittee will keep minutes of all its meetings and a record of all its income and disbursements from each function it provides. In the event of an inactive Newsletter subcommittee, the Literature subcommittee can produce the TCANA newsletter. 6. Newsletter This Subcommittee consists of a Chairperson and any interested N.A. members. This subcommittee deals with our primary purpose as it is achieved through writing. This subcommittee will follow the suggestions in the WSC newsletter handbook, and the TCANA newsletter guidelines. This Subcommittee seeks out input from members and groups, then reviews, compiles, edits, and produces a TCANA newsletter to be regularly distributed in the TCANA. This Subcommittee does not write any other literature, rather it seeks out input from members and groups and then compiles, edits and reviews the material. This material is then forwarded to the NNYRLC for its use. This Subcommittee will keep minutes of all its meetings and a record of all its income and disbursements from each function it provides. N.A. Guidelines - 15

16 7. Stockpile This Subcommittee consists of a Chairperson, Stockpile Clerk, Treasurer and any interested N.A. members. This subcommittee will make available WSO approved literature to the TCANA. This subcommittee's net assets can not exceed $2,750. Any excess shall be donated to the ASC at the next TCANA ASC meeting. Any TCANA Subcommittee ordering literature will receive a 6% discount. One (1) Group Starter Kit * will be held within the Stockpile cabinet for the ASC to donate to new groups which meet the two (2) criteria outlined on page 1 (Article I: Section C: Paragraph 5) *A starter kit will have 2 of each IP s excluding the special IP s, 2 White Booklets, 5 white key tags, 1 Group booklet, 1 set of 6 Group readings, and 1 TCANA Literature order form, 1 Basic Text and 1 It Works: How and Why ARTICLE IX. TCASC PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES A. MAIN MOTION: A main motion is a motion whose introduction brings business before the ASC. Such a motion can only be made when no other motion is pending. All main motions must be submitted in writing. B. AMENDMENTS: An amendment is a motion to modify the wording and within certain limits the meaning of a pending motion before the pending motion is acted upon. An amendment must in same way involve the same question that is raised by the motion to which it is applied. An amendment cannot introduce an independent motion. An amendment is only debatable if the motion to be amended is debatable. C. MOTION TO TABLE: A motion to table may be applied only to a main motion that is pending. At the time a motion to table is made an intent must be given. The motion to table is in order for: a.) To get further information. b.) More pressing business needs to be addressed. A motion that is tabled remains on the table until taken from the table by the ASC by a motion to do so, or until the close of the following ASC meeting. This motion is not intended to kill a main motion or suppress debate on it. D. MOTION TO REFER TO COMMITTEE: When a motion to refer to committee is made it is to send an item of business to a relatively small group of selected persons, a committee, so that a question may be carefully investigated and put into better condition for the ASC to consider. Debate on a motion to refer to committee will be limited to one pro and one con, and the debate will pertain only to the desirability of committing the motion or the instructions to the committee, and not to the merits of the main motion. If passed, there will be two Pros and two cons on the original motion, so as to obtain information to give direction to the committee. N.A. Guidelines - 16

17 E. MOTION TO REFER TO GROUPS: When a motion to refer to groups is made it is to send an item of business to the groups for their consideration. The issue will be voted upon at the next ASC meeting. Debate on a motion to refer to groups will be limited to one pro and one con, and the debate will pertain only to the desirability of committing the motion. If passed, there will be two pros and two cons on the original motion so as to give information to bring back to the groups. F. MOTION TO RECONSIDER: A motion to reconsider is meant to bring an item that has already been dealt with back onto the floor. This is used to permit the correction of hasty, ill-advised, or erroneous action, or to take into account new information or situations not considered when taking the original vote. Since this motion is not to be used for rehashing motions that an individual or minority were not pleased with the outcome, this motion may only be made by a GSR who voted on the prevailing side or a member who spoke in debate on the prevailing side of the motion. After the end of the following ASC meeting it would no longer be in order to reconsider a motion. A motion may not be reconsidered more than once. G. WITHDRAW OR MODIFY: A request to withdraw or modify may be made by the maker of the original motion upon his/her acceptance of a suggestion from another member. After the motion is made it belongs to the ASC as a whole and the maker must request the ASC's permission to do so. The Chairperson treats this as an unanimous consent matter, that is, if no one objects to this, the request is granted. If there is an objection the Chairperson automatically puts the request to a vote which is not debatable. H. MOTION TO CALL THE VOTE: A motion to call the vote must be seconded and allows for only one pro and one con. A 2/3 majority is required to adopt the motion. The intent of this motion is to bring the original motion to a vote without any further amendment or debate. This motion is not to be made to suppress information but rather to expedite the proceedings of the committee. I. POINT OF INFORMATION: A point of information is a question directed to the Chairperson to obtain information concerning parliamentary procedure or the motion that is pending. This allows a member to ask a question and not to make a statement or give information. J. POINT OF ORDER: When a member feels that the rules, policy or guidelines of the ASC are not being adhered to, he may make a "Point of Order" which in effect is asking the Chairperson to make a determination of whether or not the procedure the member is pointing out is in fact being violated. A point of order is not a method in which to dispute the N.A. Guidelines - 17

18 accuracy or validity of another member's remarks but instead is to bring to the attention of the Chairperson that a member feels that the proper procedure is not being followed. K. SUSPEND THE RULES: A motion to suspend the rules is made when a member of the ASC would like to waive certain ASC procedures. The motion will include the rule to be suspended and the length of time it shall be suspended. The motion requires a second and a 2/3 majority. L. APPEAL THE DECISION OF THE CHAIRPERSON: By electing the ASC Chairperson, the ASC delegated to him/her the authority and duty to make necessary rulings on questions of parliamentary procedure. But any two members have the right to appeal his/her decision on such a question. By one member making the appeal and another seconding it, the question is taken from the Chairperson and given to the ASC for final decision, Debate will be limited to one pro by the maker of the motion, and one con by the Chairperson, limited to one minute each. ARTICLE X. AREA INVENTORY A. The area inventory shall be distributed in January, turned in at the April ASC meeting, and reviewed at a special ASC meeting held before the regular May ASC meeting. B. This inventory shall consist of five (5) questions from each subcommittee, the RCM, and the ASC asking the N.A. groups how the area can better serve them. The inventory will be formatted and revised by the Steering committee, when necessary, when instructed by the Area body (ASC). N.A. Guidelines - 18