Hello,

My name is George R, and I am Chair of the Families Anonymous Public Information Committee. On behalf of the entire FA Word Service Board of Directors (WSB), may I wish you a somewhat belated but heartfelt Happy and Serene New Year!

Below are some announcements and on-going activities of your Board of Directors. If you are a group secretary, please share this information with your group.

New Board Members

The board is pleased to welcome four new members who joined the WSB late in 2009. They are Bev C, Kerry H, Lynn R, and Michael W. Michael hails from the UK, and is the first board member from outside the US in FA’s history! Your board continues to seek members willing to serve the fellowship in this capacity. For information on serving on the board of directors, please contact our Board Chair, Marc M at wsb_chair@familiesanonymous.org

World Service Office Staff

Val D, after many years of dedicated service in the World Service Office (WSO), has stepped down as Office Manager effective December 31, 2009. Val will continue to serve the WSO as a volunteer. Rich, the fellowship’s only employee will continue in his part time role at the WSO.

Change in Group Registration / Re-Registration Policy

The board has adopted a policy requiring all FA groups to provide an email contact address for use by the board when registering or re-registering their groups. This email address will be used only to communicate official FA information and will not be shared outside the fellowship.

Committee News

Public Information: Plans are being finalized for a major PI campaign in which our groups and the board will partner in reaching out to local treatment facilities to “spread the word” about FA and attract new members to the fellowship.

Literature: Look for our newest piece, “Setting Boundaries...A Very Loving Thing to Do” to be available in February.

Twelve Step Rag: Dick G, has served for over ten years as editor of the Twelve Step Rag, our fellowship newsletter.  He is passing the baton to Lisa W, who will take over as editor with the March/April issue.

Bylaws / Parliamentary: A complete review of our current by-laws has been completed, and a number of recommendations for changes that will improve board operation as well as our election nominations process are now before the board for discussion.

 Budget: Our budget for FY 2011 (which begins May 1, 2010) will be presented to the membership for approval at our Annual Business Meeting which coincides with the Convention in May.

Convention: There is still time to join us aboard the Carnival Imagination on Memorial Day weekend for our annual convention, “Serenity at Sea”. For information, see our web site at www.familiesanonymous.org or send an email to Mort K at faboca1318@hotmail.com.

Group Outreach: We continue to build our master email communication list to use for important communications like this one. If anyone would like to be added to this list, just send an email to go@familiesanonymous.org.

Sponsorship: The committee is working hard to make the membership aware of how valuable sponsorship is as a tool for recovery.  Watch for our regular articles in The Rag.

Long Range Planning: Plans are being developed to reach out to the fellowship via an electronic survey to collect information that will allow us to better chart the course of the fellowship.

WSO Move Feasibility: The potential costs associated with relocating the WSO from California are being developed

If you would like additional information, or have any questions, please feel free to contact me via email at the above address.

Yours in Service,

George R

Chair, FA Public Information Committee