Thought Force on Service

1. Thought Force on Service Charge:To develop strategies to show Areas how service contributes to growth and is an integral part of the Al-Anon program 1

2. Categories • To reach members not yet in service *Strategies 1 and 2* • To support members already in service *Strategies 3 and 4* • To expand horizons and growth of members currently in service *Strategies 5 and 6* 2

3. Strategy 1 Establish and participate in a traveling “CARS” (Communicating Al-Anon Recovery in Service)team that visits groups to speak about service, highlighting personal benefits received. 3

4. Pros • Non-threatening for newcomers • Doesn’t require a service event • Provides personal contact • May bring new vitality to groups 4

5. Cons • Requires people, time, and expense • May be a challenge to get “invited” to groups • Could become a “personalities” issue • Is another acronym to learn 5

6. Strategy 2 Develop a “Take Out Tool Kit” of service items ready for groups to use. 6

7. Pros • Provides readily available tools • Could be used in workshops • May be a chance to introduce Service Sponsorship • May help new members feel more confident 7

8. Cons • Would take time and effort to create • Might be considered reading material only • Might not spark service interest • Only a few groups might use Tool Kit 8

9. Strategy 3 Develop a skit and/or interactive workshop on service to demonstrate how practicing the Al-Anon principles in the safe environment of Al-Anon has had a positive effect in all areas of our lives. 9

10. Pros • Injects activity, humor, fun, and enthusiasm • Attracts people’s attention • Helps everyone remember why they serve • Provides excellent opportunity for brainstorming 10

11. Cons • Takes time, effort, planning, and preparation • People often too busy to attend • Attendance might be low because of “service” • Communication—links of service 11

12. Strategy 4 Revise CAL service literature— including the Joy of Serviceand When I Got Busy, I Got Better— to create new CAL. 12

13. Pros • CAL available to all members • Could include benefits of service • Helps members identify gifts of service • NewCAL generates enthusiasm and interest 13

14. Cons • Some see no need to revise CAL • Takes considerable time and money • CAL may not be affordable • May be difficult to solicit enough service stories 14

15. Strategy 5 Hold a “Service Gallery Walk” event at Assembly. Set up stations for current service positions, displaying an informative poster and providing a brief “handout” of skills/talents needed for the positions. Rotate small groups through these stations for information and questions. 15

16. Pros • Information to willing and qualified members • Small groups easier for sharing and questions • Seeingservice stations ishelpful • Some Areas report success with this strategy 16

17. Cons • Hindered by lack of space or time • Members may prefer to sit and listen • Areas may already be doing this • Requires creating a display 17

18. Strategy 6 Use the AFG Members’ Web site to host a “Service Blog” with, for example, a “Service Project of the Month” for groups. Members could share their experiences, successes, challenges, and ideas for district/Area service events and workshops. 18

19. Pros • Easy to implement • Faster than revising literature • May attract “tech-savvy” members • Provide a resource for future literature 19

20. Cons • Technical issues may discourage some members • Some Areas still resist the Web site • Would require considerable training/education • May not generate enough service stories 20

21. Summary • CARS Travel Team • Take Out Tool Kit • Skit/Interactive Workshop • Revised ServiceCAL • Service Gallery Walk • Web site Blog on Service

22. Discussion • Which strategies do you like? • Which strategies do you dislike? • Are there other strategies? 22

23. Suggested Strategies CARS Travel Team Take Out Tool Kit Skit/Interactive Workshop Revised ServiceCAL Service Gallery Walk Web site Blog on Service 23