Positions & Service Opportunities
Be a part of carrying the message.
Heartland Intergroup relies on the participation and commitment of A.A. members throughout Polk, Hardee, and Highlands Counties.
There are many ways to become involved, from serving as an elected Intergroup officer to volunteering at the office or participating in one of our standing committees.
Whether you have a little time or are ready to take on a greater service commitment, your participation helps Heartland Intergroup continue its primary purpose: carrying the message of Alcoholics Anonymous to those who still suffer from alcoholism.
Explore the highlights of opportunities below and discover how you can be of service. For additional detailed information see the Constitution and By-Laws of Heartland Intergroup.
Paid Position | Part-Time Employment
The Heartland Intergroup Office Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of the Intergroup office.
This is a paid, part-time position of 20 hours per week.
Qualifications and Employment Details
- Must be a member of Alcoholics Anonymous.
- Must have at least two years of continuous sobriety.
- Compensation is determined and approved by the Intergroup Representatives.
- Compensation is paid monthly.
- Overtime or compensatory time must be approved in advance by the Chairperson. Approved overtime is compensated at the current pay rate.
- Mileage incurred while performing Office Manager duties is reimbursed at the current IRS rate.
Management Responsibilities
- Maintain the Intergroup office and ensure it is staffed during open hours.
- Handle correspondence and maintain the office filing system.
- Pay bills, including signing checks, and make timely deposits.
- Maintain office inventory and place timely orders.
- Provide contribution lists to the newsletter editor.
- Select, approve, and train individuals who work under the direction of the Office Manager.
A.A.-Related Responsibilities
- Maintain current, confidential 12-Step volunteer lists.
- Notify the answering service of changes to 12-Step lists.
- Monitor office logs daily to ensure 12-Step calls are answered in a timely manner.
- Keep A.A. communications and event flyer postings current.
- Provide up-to-date A.A. meeting lists.
- Oversee newsletter publication and maintain the database for approved mailings.
- Update group information and contact information whenever possible.
Public Relations and Other Responsibilities
- Maintain contact with District, Area, and General Service Office (GSO).
- Share information with Intergroup Representatives and officers.
- Attend the annual Intergroup Office Managers Seminar and prepare a report for the Intergroup Representatives.
Fiscal Responsibilities
- Operate the office in a fiscally responsible manner.
- Maintain the tools and supplies necessary to accomplish office duties.
- Obtain approval from the Representatives before purchasing items exceeding $200. This limitation does not apply to inventory or general office supplies.
Employee Benefits
Paid vacation:
- After one year of employment: One week.
- After two years: Two weeks.
- After five years: Three weeks.
Paid sick leave:
- After 90 days: One paid sick day per 60 days.
- After one year: One paid sick day per month.
Unused vacation and sick time do not accrue.
Elected Intergroup Officers
Officer Terms and Elections
- Officers serve two-year terms.
- Elections take place at the November Intergroup meeting.
- Newly elected officers are installed at the January meeting.
- Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson elections take place in even-numbered years.
- Secretary and Treasurer elections take place in odd-numbered years.
Elected officers receive no compensation, except for reimbursement of expenses authorized by the Representatives.
Unpaid A.A. Service Positions
Heartland Intergroup has four elected officer positions. These officers help guide the organization, support the Intergroup office, and serve the A.A. groups throughout the Intergroup area.
Candidates must have at least two years of continuous sobriety when placed in nomination.
The Chairperson provides leadership and coordination for Heartland Intergroup.
The duties and service obligations of the Chairperson include:
A. Chair Intergroup Meetings
i. Prepare, after consultation with officers and the office manager, agenda for the next Representatives meeting.
ii. Preserve order at meetings.
iii. Encourage each representative to participate promoting the necessity of a well-informed group conscience.
iv. Close meetings in a timely manner.
v. Oversee annual physical inventory of the Intergroup Office in January.
vi. Approve office manager overtime when special circumstances arise.
vii. Must be familiar with these By-Laws and 36 principles.
B. Service Obligations
i. Attend and open all Intergroup-sponsored functions.
ii. Oversee and coordinate all Intergroup business and activates.
C. Appoint a special committee to hire a new Intergroup Office Manager, subject to approval of the Representatives.
D. Chairperson votes on all issues only in the event of a tie vote.
The Vice-Chairperson assists the Chairperson and helps maintain relationships with A.A. groups.
Responsibilities include:
- Chair Intergroup meetings in the Chairperson’s absence.
- Serve as Chairperson of the Group Relations Committee.
- Visit A.A. groups regularly to explain the functions of Intergroup.
- Attend all Intergroup-sponsored events.
- Perform other duties requested by the Chairperson.
- Be familiar with the Intergroup By-Laws and 36 principles..
The Secretary maintains the official records of Intergroup meetings.
Responsibilities include:
- Record minutes of Intergroup meetings.
- Attend all Intergroup-sponsored functions.
- Ensure necessary meeting materials are available, including sign-in sheets.
- Perform other duties requested by the Chairperson.
- Be familiar with the Intergroup By-Laws and 36 principles.
The Treasurer is responsible for maintaining and reporting Intergroup financial information.
Responsibilities include:
- Maintain the skills necessary to use the current bookkeeping system.
- Prepare monthly financial statements.
- Present financial reports at Intergroup Representative meetings.
- Attend all Intergroup-sponsored functions.
- Perform other duties requested by the Chairperson.
- Be familiar with the Intergroup By-Laws and 36 principles.
Front Desk Office Volunteers
Front Desk Office Volunteers help support the daily operation of the Heartland Intergroup office.
These volunteers provide assistance at the office and help ensure that the office can maintain its presence and availability to the A.A. community.
Qualifications
- Must have at least one year of continuous sobriety.
- Must be approved and trained by the Office Manager.
Front Desk Office Volunteers work under the direction of the Office Manager.
If you are interested in helping at the Intergroup office, contact the office to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Standing Committees
Standing committees help Heartland Intergroup carry out its activities and support the A.A. community.
The By-Laws identify the following standing committees:
INTERGROUPER / EVENT EMAIL
Supports Intergroup communications and event-related email activities.
FAITHFUL FIVER
Supports the Faithful Fiver contribution program and its ongoing communications.
WEBMASTER / WHERE AND WHEN
Supports the Heartland Intergroup website and Where and When meeting information.
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Supports the planning and coordination of fundraising events for Heartland Intergroup.
AD HOC COMMITTEES
Temporary committees established to address specific needs, projects, or activities as they arise.
Committee Chairperson Requirements
- At least two years of continuous sobriety.
- Appointed by the Chairperson.
- Subject to approval by the Intergroup Representatives.
Members interested in participating in committee activities are encouraged to contact Heartland Intergroup.
Group Representatives & Alternate Group Represetatives
Every A.A. group located within the Heartland Intergroup service area is part of Intergroup.
Each group may have one Representative or one Alternate Representative. No Representative or Alternate may represent more than one group.
Representative Responsibilities
Representatives help ensure that the Intergroup office continues to serve the needs of the A.A. community.
Their responsibilities include:
- Overseeing the operations of the Intergroup office and supporting its continued operation.
- Encouraging group interest and participation in Intergroup activities.
- Reviewing and approving financial reports provided by the Treasurer.
- Considering and recommending ways to support the A.A. program in accordance with A.A. Traditions and GSO guidelines.
- Providing protective custody of Intergroup property.
- Supporting the review of Intergroup finances through the annual audit process.
- Remaining familiar with the Twelve Traditions.
Participation
- Representatives attend regular Intergroup meetings.
- Each properly represented group has one vote.
- Alternates may represent their groups when serving in place of their Representatives.
Contact your home group to learn more about becoming its Intergroup Representative or Alternate.
District III Liaison
The Heartland Intergroup By-Laws identify a District III Liaison as a member of the official Intergroup body.
The liaison provides a connection between District III and Heartland Intergroup.
The By-Laws do not specify a separate detailed job description or eligibility requirements for this position.
Members interested in learning more about this role should contact Heartland Intergroup or District III.