Document 7: Service Positions – Description of Responsibilities

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INTRODUCTION

FA meetings remain strong when members take active roles by volunteering for their meetings’ service positions.

Abstinence Requirements

FA meetings have abstinence requirements for those wishing to take on service positions. Abstinence refers to continuous abstinence while the member is working with an FA sponsor. This practice protects and supports newcomers by allowing them to focus on their own recovery rather than immediately taking on service positions.

The guidelines for length of abstinence for each service position are only suggestions (except for World Conference Member), though meetings should follow them when possible.

Rotation of Roles

In keeping with Tradition Nine, FA meetings regularly rotate leadership to avoid dependence on any member. Service positions may be rotated every six months, once a year, or at some other frequency that best meets the meeting's needs and size.

Required Positions

The number of filled service positions will vary from meeting to meeting. The positions of WSI, Intergroup, Chapter (if applicable), and Meeting Contact are required in order to maintain communication between individual meetings and the larger organization of FA. Smaller meetings may only need to fill some of the other service positions.

REQUIRED SERVICE POSITIONS

WSI Contact 

Suggested continuous abstinence: Two years plus completion of one in-depth study of the Twelve Steps in sequence, using a method focused on food addiction and requiring abstinence throughout each Step, within the current term of abstinence, per WSI bylaws.

Suggested term of service: Two years

Required position: Yes

Purpose: Acts as the liaison between the meeting and World Service Incorporated (WSI)

The WSI Contact:

• ensures their information is accurate by logging into foodaddicts.org and verifying their contact information. Those without a personal profile can create one by clicking “Login” and “Create Profile.”
• asks the Meeting Contact to register their name and email to receive WSI communications.
• receives and reviews all correspondence sent by WSI via email.
• prints the Universal Language List for the literature table.
• Introduces themself as a food addict and the WSI Contact during the Announcements portion of the FA Format when there is WSI correspondence to share. For example, the WSI Contact announces details (e.g., dates & deadlines) for the World Service Business Convention and the World Service Fellowship.
• makes copies of WSI correspondence (such as the Midterm and Business Convention Reports) available to members as needed or requested and gives one copy to the secretary, who files it in the business meeting binder. The meeting should use its Seventh Tradition to reimburse the WSI Contact for any expenses incurred.
• is authorized to submit meeting information changes using the online Meeting Change Form.

Intergroup Contact

Suggested continuous abstinence: Two years plus completion of one in-depth study of the Twelve Steps within the current term of abstinence per WSI bylaws.

Suggested term of service: Two years

Required position: Yes

Purpose: Acts as the liaison between the meeting and the intergroup

The Intergroup Contact

• ensures their information is accurate by logging into foodaddicts.org and verifying their contact information. Those without a personal profile can create one by clicking “Login” and “Create Profile.”
• asks the Meeting Contact to register their name and email to receive intergroup communications.
• receives and reviews all correspondence and materials sent by the local intergroup via email.
• introduces themself as a food addict and the Intergroup Contact during the Announcements portion of the FA Format and announces the date of the next intergroup meeting.
• makes copies of intergroup correspondence available to members as needed or requested and gives one copy to the secretary, who files it in the business meeting binder. The meeting should use its Seventh Tradition to reimburse the Intergroup Contact for any expenses incurred.
• attends monthly intergroup meetings.
• is authorized to submit meeting information changes using the online Meeting Change Form.

Chapter Contact

Suggested continuous abstinence: Two years plus completion of one in-depth study of the Twelve Steps within the current term of abstinence per WSI bylaws.

Suggested term of service: Two years

Required position: Only if the meeting is registered with a chapter

Purpose: Acts as the liaison between the meeting and the chapter

The Chapter Contact

• ensures that their information is accurate by logging into foodaddicts.org and verifying their contact information. Those without a personal profile can create one by clicking “Login” and “Create Profile.”
• asks the Meeting Contact to register their name and email to receive chapter communications.
• receives and reviews all correspondence and materials sent by the local chapter via email.
• introduces themself as a food addict and the Chapter Contact during the Announcements portion of the FA Format and announces the date of the next chapter meeting.
• makes copies of chapter correspondence available to members as needed or requested, and gives one copy to the secretary, who files it in the business meeting binder. The meeting should use its Seventh Tradition to reimburse the Chapter Contact for any expenses incurred.
• attends monthly chapter meetings.
• is authorized to submit meeting information changes using the online Meeting Change Form.

Meeting Contact*

Suggested continuous abstinence: Two years plus completion of one in-depth study of the Twelve Steps within the current term of abstinence per WSI bylaws.

Suggested term of service: Two years

Required position: Yes

Purpose: Serves as the contact person for the meeting on all web and print directories.

*It is suggested that meetings identify both a primary and an alternate contact.

The Meeting Contact

• registers new meetings on the FA website by logging in and clicking Register a New In-Person Meeting/Register a New Telephone Meeting/Register a New Videoconference Meeting. Those without a profile can create one by clicking “Login” and “Create Profile.”
• updates the Meeting Contact information for an existing meeting by asking the outgoing Meeting Contact to register their name and email. If the Meeting Contact is not available, the WSI, Intergroup, or Chapter Contact can do this.
  • The Meeting Contact’s name and phone number will appear on the WSI meeting directory on the FA website and will be listed on meeting directories that may be printed and distributed by intergroups, chapters, and local regions.
• serves as the initial source of contact for information for newcomers or members seeking information about specific meetings.
• checks phone/text messages regularly and promptly returns calls about the meeting. When unable to respond, leaves an outgoing phone message noting the name and number of someone (with equivalent abstinence and AWOL experience) an inquirer might call.
• asks each new service person to check/update the contact information in their FA Profile.
• submits changes to the meeting information (day, time, location, names & contact information for service positions) as needed on the FA website using the online Meeting Change Form.

• verifies the accuracy of their meeting information on the website prior to monthly business meetings. Prints out the Meeting Change Form and takes it to the business meeting to review with members in the above-listed service positions to verify accuracy and consistency.
• takes the census for their meeting when requested by WSI and records this information on the website.
• receives all email correspondence from WSI, their intergroup and their chapter (when applicable) in case they need to serve as a backup in the absence of the WSI, Intergroup, or Chapter Contacts.

OPTIONAL SERVICE POSITIONS

Public Information Representative

Suggested continuous abstinence: One year

Suggested term of service: Two years

Required position: No

Purpose: Coordinates their meeting’s efforts to publicize the meeting and to spread knowledge of FA to community members and helping professionals so that anyone who needs FA can find FA. They build awareness of opportunities for members at their meetings to convey information about FA to people who are not in FA.

*This position can be shared between two or three people, if desired.

The Public Information Representative

• reads the Introduction to PI Work and Resources for PI Reps on the FA website, then focuses on these primary responsibilities.
• attends the meeting’s business meeting and
  • reads selected PI Announcements.
  • distributes the Healthcare Brochure and Food Addiction and the FA Solution to anyone planning to visit a health care provider in the upcoming month.
  • coordinates meeting’s efforts to Sponsor-a-Rack.
• invites members to make contact with faith community leaders and provides updated Packets for Faith Community Leaders at in-person meetings.
• updates and provides Meeting Directory Trifolds at local meetings and makes flyers available as needed.
• posts calendar items with the meeting’s time and location online and in local media.
• updates FA profile and provides current contact information to Meeting Contact, for access to all PI emails.
• For additional support, can attend PI Committee meetings at intergroup, chapter, and WSI levels, and can attend LSG meetings and/or contact pi@foodaddicts.org.

Once the above tasks are addressed and/delegated, the PI rep can join with members from their meeting, or with PI reps from other meetings to form a Local Service Group and work on such projects as

• Health Fairs and Public Information Sessions.
• Healthcare Slideshow healthcareslideshow@foodaddicts.org.
• Bulk ordering of PI Trifolds and FA literature.
• Supporting Media Watch, Weblinks and Blogwatch.

Meeting Effectiveness Support and Assistance (MESA) Representative 

Suggested continuous abstinence: One year

Suggested term of service: One year

Required position: No

Purpose: Serves as the contact person between the meeting and the MESA subcommittee.

The MESA Representative

• ensures that their information is accurate by logging into foodaddicts.org and verifying their contact information. Those without a personal profile can create one by clicking “Login” and “Create Profile.”
• introduces themself as a food addict and the MESA Representative when the MESA announcement is read in the meeting format.
• offers support and assistance to the meeting so members can better carry the message of recovery. MESA Representatives are not expected to perform any enforcement functions.
• asks the Meeting Contact to register their name and email on the FA website to receive MESA communications.
• becomes familiar with FA Meeting Guidelines to best answer questions during business meetings or on calls.
• selects and reads a question from Document 9: Meeting Effectiveness Questions either during the weekly FA meeting or the monthly business meeting, depending on the meeting’s group conscience.
• is invited to join the monthly MESA call which provides information, support, and resources.
• receives MESA email communications and shares appropriate information with the meeting.
• encourages members to contact mesa@foodaddicts.org with questions.

World Service Conference* (WSC) Member

Required continuous abstinence: Five years plus completion of one in-depth study of the Twelve Steps within the current term of abstinence per WSI bylaws

Term of service: One year, from March 1 to February 28 / 29

Required position: No

Purpose: Represents their meeting as a voting member at the annual World Service Conference.

*The Conference is the assembly of all voting members elected to serve FA at the World Service level. Election of the WSC Member occurs during the December, January, or February business meeting.

The WSC Member

• ensures that their information is accurate by logging into foodaddicts.org and verifying their contact information. Those without a personal profile can create one by clicking “Login” and “Create Profile.”
• provides contact information to the Meeting Contact and confirms the accuracy of the information.
• registers as a WSC Member on the FA website by choosing “For Members,” “Convention,” “Business Convention,” and “Conference Member Registration” under the Menu tab.
• plans travel and applies for funding, if needed/available.
• reads the WSC Member Manual on the FA website and all materials sent to WSC Members to prepare for the annual World Service Business Convention by choosing “For Members,” “WSI Documents,” and “Governing Documents” under the Menu tab.
• attends all World Service Business Convention business sessions as a voting member.

Literature Representative 

Suggested continuous abstinence: Six months

Suggested term of service: Six months

Required position: No

Purpose: Ensures that meeting attendees have access to FA Conference-approved literature.

The Literature Representative

• ensures that their information is accurate by logging into foodaddicts.org and verifying their contact information. Those without a personal profile can create one by clicking “Login” and “Create Profile.”

• At videoconference meetings
  • introduces themself as a food addict and the Literature Representative when the Literature announcement is read in the meeting format.
  • pastes the following (or similar) in the chat:
    • Welcome newcomers! You can access links to pamphlets, podcasts, and more at foodaddicts.org/how-to-start-FA. There is more literature to read online or purchase at foodaddicts.org/literature. Please reach out with any questions!
  • reads a short blurb about highlighted literature that is included in the FA Newsletter.
• At in-person meetings
  • During the meeting
    • introduces themself as a food addict and the Literature Representative when the Literature announcement is read in the meeting format.
    • reads a short blurb about highlighted literature that is included in the FA Newsletter.
    • shares that there is also literature available to read and order on the FA website, in addition to free podcasts.
  • Before/after the meeting
    • inventories and orders literature when needed.
    • sets up the literature table before every meeting, laying out pamphlets, books, newcomer packets, Connection, phone list, and the literature price list (which can be downloaded and printed).
  • stays after the meeting and during the break to help newcomers.
  • coordinates with the treasurer regarding income and expenses relating to literature.

Secretary

Suggested continuous abstinence: One year

Suggested term of service: One year

Required position: No

Purpose: Runs the monthly business meetings.

Secretary

• introduces themself as a food addict and Meeting Secretary during the FA announcement section of the meeting format one week before the scheduled business meeting.
• announces the following or similar:
  • There will be a business meeting following next week’s meeting. All members are welcome to attend, and those with 90 days of continuous abstinence who have an FA sponsor and regularly attend this meeting will have a voice and a vote.
• leads the business meeting and announces all bold-faced items noted in the Sample Business Meeting Agenda/Minutes form, found online in Document 7A.
• records business meeting minutes and stores them in an organized binder or a digital folder.
• keeps track of service positions and ensures that they are rotated and filled. (See the Meeting Service Positions list on the last page of Document 7A.)
• reminds members who are newly elected to service positions to review their position descriptions on Document 7 on the FA website.
• double-checks the math on the monthly treasurer’s report.
• runs the business meetings, assuring orderly discussion and referring to the following suggestions when needed:
  • Reminds people to raise their actual or virtual hand and wait to be called on before speaking.
  • For telephone meetings, asks members to unmute if they have something to say. If multiple people speak simultaneously, calls on one person at a time.
  • Asks interrupters to wait and dominators to hold back, so everyone has a chance to share.
  • When a motion or issue is presented, calls alternately on those who support and those who oppose. Takes time with bringing the meeting to a vote, since thorough discussions often reveal a consensus or help move people toward an effective decision by group conscience. Sometimes it’s wise to postpone a vote until the next business meeting. If the meeting chooses to follow Robert’s Rules of Order, the Secretary may not vote unless there is a tie.
  • By group conscience, sets a time limit for business meetings, usually 30 minutes. If the meeting needs to be extended, asks for a motion to extend the meeting and, if seconded, asks for a vote. If the motion does not pass, continue the discussion at the following month’s business meeting.
  • Uses the following simple principles of parliamentary procedure, if desired:
    • Members must frame a proposal in the form of a motion that must be seconded before proceeding.
    • Amendments offered during discussion must be seconded, then discussed and voted on before the body can return to the main motion.
    • There can only be one main motion on the floor at a time and no new motion can be considered before the first is addressed.
    • “Tabling” a motion means requesting it be set aside for later discussion. No debate is allowed on such a motion. It requires an immediate vote.

Connection Representative

Suggested continuous abstinence: Six months

Suggested term of service: One year

Required position: Yes, if the meeting has a subscription to the magazine

Purpose: Ensures that meeting attendees have access to Connection Magazine.

The Connection Representative

• ensures that their information is accurate by logging into foodaddicts.org and verifying their contact information. Those without a personal profile can create one by clicking “Login” and “Create Profile.”
• asks the Meeting Contact to register their name and email to receive WSI communications.
• introduces themself as a food addict and the Connection Representative when the Connection announcement is read in the meeting format.
• raises awareness about Connection at meetings, on phone calls and at business meetings during the Connection report.
• encourages members to submit writing to articles@foodaddicts.org and artwork to art@foodaddicts.org
• receives correspondence from the Connection committee.
• orders or renews the Connection print subscription(s) for an in-person meeting (only the Connection Representative may purchase a meeting subscription which must be ordered online.) Receives the meeting’s subscription at their home address.
• participates in Connection Representative conference calls.
• Contacts Connection@foodaddicts.org with any questions.

Speaker Seeker

Suggested continuous abstinence: Two years

Suggested term of service: Six months

Required position: No

Purpose: Finds committed members to lead the meeting each week in keeping with Tradition Nine which reminds us that rotating leadership helps the meeting avoid dependence on a few people.

The Speaker Seeker

Speakers lead the meeting and provide the first impression of FA to newcomers.

• books someone to lead the meeting as much as one full month ahead of time. To avoid undo stress on potential leaders, resists the temptation to book in anticipation of a member reaching 90 days of continuous abstinence or booking qualifiers who have recently led other meetings.

• calls or texts the leader to remind them of their commitment to lead and, for phone or videoconference meetings, sends them a phone number or a link.
• informs the leader the type of meeting they will be leading, per the meetings monthly rotation.

• For in-person qualification meetings
  • Reminds the speaker of the time they will have to share.
  • Suggests that the speaker bring photos of themselves at the peak of their disease  to pass around, and to avoid photos of food.
  • ensures that the format is ready 10-15 minutes before the meeting starts.
• For videoconference qualification meetings
  • Suggests that the speaker bring photos of themselves at the peak of their disease and in recovery, and to avoid photos of food.
  • Invites the speaker to send photos to the Tech Team unless they feel comfortable sharing from their personal screen.

• For telephone meetings
  • Meeting host may act as the Speaker Seeker.

Treasurer

Suggested continuous abstinence: Two years

Suggested term of service: One year

Required position: No

Purpose: Keeps track of the meeting’s finances.

The treasurer: 

• Maintains a personal profile on the FA website. Those without a personal profile can create one by clicking “login” and “create profile.”

• Keeps a record of all income and expenses and records transactions as soon as possible. 

• Uses the treasurer's report template (found in Document 7A) to compile the monthly report, prior to the next business meeting.

• Presents the prepared monthly report at each business meeting. 

• Pays monthly expenses and maintains an appropriate prudent reserve. 

• Obtains and/or renews virtual platform license.

• Distributes remaining funds to World Service Incorporated (WSI), Eastern or Western Area Intergroup, (EAI/WAI), or a Chapter. For example, a meeting could choose to allocate 75% to WSI and 25% to WAI, or choose a 50/50 split. The percentage is determined by each meeting’s group conscience. To make the donation:

  • Go to www.foodaddicts.org/donate to donate electronically and select “donate.” Enter the amount and the meeting day, time and location.  

  • If donating by check, write the meeting day, time, and location on the memo line. Mailing addresses can be found at www.foodaddicts.org/donate.

• Creates QR codes (e.g., for Venmo, PayPal, Cash Ap, Zelle, etc) for meetings offering electronic payments. For help creating QR codes contact wsitechnology@foodaddicts.org.

• Provides multiple methods for members to contribute to the 7th tradition. 

  • At in person meetings:

    • Provides a container for 7^th tradition donations.

    • Places a printed copy of the QR code in the 7^th tradition collection container or on the literature table, if the meeting provides an option for electronic donations.

    • Counts any cash received and stores the cash in a safe location.

• At video conference meetings:

  • Reviews the Virtual Meeting Treasurer Training at https://vimeo.com/805285633?share=copy 

  • Provides options to collect seventh tradition donation electronically by including the QR code(s) in the digital format and puts the link to the donation site(s) in the Chat for easy online donations. 

  • Posts donation information in the Chat during the meeting announcements. For example:    

“Please give generously to the Seventh Tradition. Send your donation via (enter payment app and/or QR code) to (enter account name) or contact me for other options (enter name and number). To donate directly to Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) use the link: https://www.foodaddicts.org/donate-now.“

• At phone meetings:

  • Encourage participants to use the donation link at the FA website. Donations can be designated for WSI, WAI, or EAI.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The treasurer MAY NOT open an account in the name of FA. WSI, intergroups and chapters are registered with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as nonprofit organizations. Meetings are not registered with the IRS, and therefore, it would be fraudulent to open an account with the name of FA.

The treasurer may open a checking account in their name, if needed. The account must be separate from the treasurer’s personal account. To avoid confusion, the new account should be easily identifiable, e.g., “Tuesday Night Meeting,” The treasurer MAY NOT open an account in the name of FA. Doing so is fraudulent.

Greeter*

Suggested continuous abstinence: Six months

Suggested term of service: Six months

Required position: No

Purpose: To make newcomers feel welcome and direct them to available resources.

*Most meetings choose two greeters, but larger meetings may choose more.

 The Greeter

• arrives at the meeting 10 minutes early and remains after to talk to newcomers, answering questions and assuring the person of follow up, if needed.
• introduces themself as a food addict and a Greeter when the Greeters announcement is read in the meeting format.

• guides any newcomers to the newcomer packet, the phone list, and available sponsors if they wish. As appropriate, repeats availability of resources like the FA website, literature, podcasts, and Connection.

• For videoconference meetings
  • puts personal phone number in the chat.
• For phone meetings
  • The meeting hosts ask for one or two participants to serve as a greeter for the day.
  • The participants announce their name, phone number, time zone, and if appropriate, time frames during which they take calls.

Phone List Coordinator

Suggested continuous abstinence: six months

Suggested term of service: six months
Required position: No
Purpose: To create and distribute a list of members’ contact information for phone calls.

The Phone List Coordinator

• At in-person meetings
  • Introduces themself as a food addict and the Phone List Coordinator when the Phone List Coordinator announcement is read in the meeting format.
  • Announces that there are copies of the phone list on the Literature Table and invites anyone who wants to be added to share their information.
  • Regularly updates the phone list by passing around a clipboard at the meeting when there are newcomers and removing members no longer attending.
  • Makes copies of the phone list for the Literature Table and removes old phone lists.
• At videoconference meetings
  • Introduces themself as a food addict and the Phone List Coordinator when the Phone List Coordinator announcement is read in the meeting format.
  • Announces that they are pasting two links in the chat: one allowing members to add their information to the phone list and another to access the most recent phone list.
  • Emails the phone list monthly to all those on the list who have provided an email address.
  • Keeps a current phone list of FA members who have committed to attend the meeting
  • Maintains the online form where people add their information.
• For phone meetings
  • If participants want to receive the phone list or be added to it, instructs them to send an email to the phone list address, including their first name, last name initial, phone number, and time zone.
  • Maintains the list as a Google document, so anyone with the link has the current version of the phone list.

Technology Team* (for videoconference meetings only)

Suggested continuous abstinence: one year

Suggested term of service: six months
Required position: Yes

Purpose: To ensure the technology runs smoothly to keep members focused on recovery from food addiction.

*Most meetings have more than one person available to serve in each role in order to rotate the position weekly or in case someone on the tech team is unavailable. Many of the following points are suggestions based on the experience of members attending large meetings.

 The Meeting Host

• Signs in 10-15 minutes early as Host or claims the Host Key once signed in.
• Ensures that Leader, Slides Person and Tech Support Person are made co-hosts
• Renames self as “HOST [personal name]” with location and phone number if desired.
• Enables “live transcript” feature.
• If there is a security threat, may enable the waiting room at the start of the meeting. An alternative is to enable the waiting room 10 minutes after the start of the meeting, so that meeting members don’t have to wait to be admitted. 
• Assists participants with tech-related issues such as renaming themselves or fixing their audio/video.
• Mutes all participants except the leader after the Serenity Prayer and after the break. If “mute all” is needed, the host informs the Leader they will need to unmute.
• Enables/disables the Chat when appropriate.
• Sets up and closes breakout rooms
  • The group decides at the business meeting how many people should be in each breakout room.
  • Once breakout rooms are assigned, reviews list of rooms to ensure nobody is in a room alone and reassigns participants when necessary. Host remains available during the break in case there are technical issues.
• After break, copies and pastes potential sponsors in the Chat (During the sponsor announcement, many sponsors share their contact information in the Chat. However, this information disappears during the break. The Host re-posts the list of sponsors in the Chat after the break).
• Monitors the Chat and responds to questions/concerns.
• Becomes familiar with videoconferencing technology such as “Suspend participant activities” in case of disruptive interference (aka “bombings”).
• Turns off a participant’s video if necessary.
• Attends WSI/intergroup/chapter technology trainings if desired and accesses resources on FA website.
• Lets sharers know if their audio is wonky.

The Slide Sharer

• Signs in 10-15 minutes early.
• Projects meeting format slides.
• Stops the screen sharing at the appropriate time.
• Clicks to the next slide when the reader is reading the last few words since there is a delay between advancing the slide and when the participants can see it.
• Brings up “The Promises” slide if someone is still sharing at the end of the meeting, to cue the person who’s talking that it’s time to end.
• Shares slides in presentation mode so thumbnails and web browser aren’t visible to meeting participants.

Tech Support (the Host can also do this)

• Signs in 10-15 minutes early.
• Mutes/unmutes fellows.
• Monitors the waiting room (if enabled) and admits fellows.
• If someone is in the waiting room without a name, Tech Support sends a chat to the waiting room, telling the person to rename themself.
• Helps fellows to rename themselves as needed: “Hi, can you rename yourself please, for the safety of this meeting? I can help you.”
• Lowers hands after fellows read or share. It’s distracting if someone’s hand is lowered while speaking, so wait until they’ve finished.
• Monitors the Chat and responds to questions/concerns.

Revised 2024 04 01