Hello Friends,
This is the Volunteer Resource Committee checking in with a couple of timely announcements. But first, how are you? Enjoying Spring? (Hmm, is that northern hemisphere-centric?) Are you finding a home in recovery? It’s different for everyone and everyone is able to establish whatever differences they need.
And what about the ABC? The Annual Business Conference? Were you able to attend? Were you enraptured? Enraged? Engrossed? Or maybe just ‘grossed’. Happily, we get to feel our feelings regardless, and feelings often arrive ‘assorted’ - we like one part and dislike another.
So, we’re wondering if anyone who attended the ABC, or who recently learned a bit about the World Service Organization (WSO), or who has just happened upon this article… wondering if you are considering being of service to ACA at the WSO. Whether feeling inspired, or challenged, or just curious. If so, we, the Volunteer Resource Committee, may be able to offer some clarity around volunteering.
First off… here is where we are located, virtually - https://acawso.org/vrc/. It’s our webpage. It’s updated from time to time and will always have some information about what we do, what we’ve done, helpful resources… oh, and our purpose.
Yes, it’s right there at the top - Our Purpose
The Purpose of the Volunteer Resource Committee (VRC) is to provide guidance and support for the volunteers of WSO, such as developing welcoming and educational materials, and healthy communication and leadership workshops; be a resource for WSO committees with volunteer needs, and; promote emotional sobriety and healthy functioning in WSO committees.
This is such a great purpose to get behind. I mean, that first point…”guidance and support for volunteers”. It’s so open. There can be so many various ways in which we can support a positive volunteer experience. So many. I bet you could think of one.
To offer an example of “welcoming and educational materials”, last November we offered a Volunteer Day program which introduced ACA members to the volunteering experiences of other members and a sampler of some of the work of some WSO Committees. It was an event-filled 3-hour program which was very well received. We would like to offer it again, a few times, actually, perhaps in a 2-hour version. It’s on the list, and we could use some help.
Another activity we would like to institute again is the WSO Field Trip. We offered that once, on a lark, and it was fun. A few members got together and sat in on a committee meeting, just to see what it was like. It was about Literature, in review. Next time it could be good to incorporate a post-gathering, an après committee chitchat of sorts, to share what we thought, and to get a sense of whether or not anyone in the group would be interested in returning to become a member of the committee. Next time perhaps IT, or Finance. It’s on the list, and we would welcome some help.
Another activity that we have instituted has been our Service Wellness 24/7 gatherings. Our goal is to “promote emotional sobriety” and “healthy communication”, (again, our Purpose) in the supportive space of a Zoom room chat. A gentle and respectful space where, without the drive of a committee agenda, volunteers may talk about their WSO experiences. The good and the not so good. It’s a place where ideas may be generated. A place where support may be found. The doors to the rooms have been kept open, although attendance has been light. It’s on the Committee Calendar, https://acawso.org/committees-calendar/ and we would welcome your attendance.
Another project that the VRC is working on is a WSO Volunteer Orientation Document. This document will offer ACA members who are just arriving to World Service some clarity as to the way committee work is approached, the role of volunteers, the structure of WSO, and the rights and responsibilities of all participants. Although it’s a big undertaking, we are well on our way. Still, it’s on the list, and we would welcome your help.
Join us.
Put it on your list.
Jim and Laura