Hello, and welcome to our committee’s second year of service to the ACA Fellowship. Since March, the Volunteer Resource Committee (VRC) has had a soft ‘roll-out’ of a new program.
Service Wellness 24/7
This program provides a gentle and respectful space in which ACA volunteers may find fellowship and service support. The space is open with regularity. The time together is generally unstructured, with a focus on discussing the rewards and challenges of WSO committee work. While the focus is primarily on World Service, ACAs from Intergroups and members curious about service are welcome. The floor is open to the sharing and camaraderie of the assembled group.
The program supports emotional sobriety and healthy functioning in WSO committees, in accordance with our Committee purpose. We learn from one another's experience, strength and hope. This may include asking for help, or having a few laughs.
So Far, So Good
We have been achieving our goal of providing a space for WSO volunteers to meet and converse. Since March we have gathered twice a month, 2 times each day. We meet 12 hours apart - to accommodate the global quality of the organization.
The common phrase “24/7” was our inspiration - something easily remembered. For our purposes, it refers to days of the month. And, luckily, the 24th and the 7th - are roughly 2 weeks apart, which creates a nice pacing. The 7th and the 24th will always arrive on different days of the week, which provides extra opportunity to participate. And by opening the space twice a day, 12 hours apart, it provides more support, globally. And again, easily remembered.
Since the start, we have had up to 1 or 2 people join the facilitators, Jim R and Laura L.; modest numbers, yet surprisingly meaningful. We now have a space for volunteers to be heard. Which was our original goal. Very recently we have begun to take notes in order to capture some of the really practical and inspired ideas, anonymously. These will be posted on our webpage and possibly referred to other committees.
The Basics
Someone holds the space, acting as a moderator. They will call on participants to share, if necessary, and keep the focus on service experiences. We steer away from ‘who’ and look more closely at ‘how and why’.
The gathering may begin with attendee introductions. Maybe a service-related reading. An introductory script may be utilized, noting our purpose and some general guidelines. The intention, as you can see, is to not be overly programmed and rigid.
Please consider joining us sometime. We want to support your continued service. Information about these gatherings may be found on our webpage, https://acawso.org/vrc/. Zoom information and links to the Wellness meetings may be found on the Committee Calendar (PLEASE NOTE: AM and PM will have different Zoom links) https://acawso.org/committees-calendar/. If you have questions, or just want to say “Hi”, please write to us at: [email protected].
Jim R