Motion F00.1   We (the ad hoc committee) move that Area 92 create a basic Web Site, to include Area 92 service information, with a link to GSO for reference. Said site to be overseen by a fully funded Appointed Committee Chair and will be governed by the attached guidelines. – Moved by the Area Ad Hoc Website Committee & seconded by District 4 in the April Quarterly

Pros   The Area Website would supplement and enhance traditional forms of communication within Area 92. While the Area 92 Newsletter, committee meetings, quarterlies and assemblies would remain the primary communication tools for the conduct of Area business, a Website would make this information more widely available, with an eye to keeping more informed and sparking interest among others. Those who cannot or do not wish to use the Internet will also benefit, through friends and others who do use the Internet. New services would be available. For example: a) an archive of information pertaining to A.A. in Area 92 that is readily accessible any time of the day or night, b) ensures changes to information are widely available in an accurate, timely, cost-effective manner, and c) creates new opportunities to be of service.

Throughout the Area Website, whether it be information resulting from the base motion or the options associated with this motion, A.A. Traditions and principles will be adhered to at all times. This means, in part, that anonymity will be preserved: no last names will be given (first name, last initial only), and personal telephone numbers, postal addresses, and e-mail addresses will under no circumstances be given. The Area Website Committee, to be created as a result of this motion, will oversee the daily operation and maintenance of the website, ensuring approved guidelines are followed.

Note: Ad Hoc Committee recommendations for guidelines were presented at April 2000 Quarterly in Moses Lake, which are attached to this motion. These recommendations were included in the motion package given to all DCM and Area Committee members in attendance.

Cons   An Area Website would not be accessible by all in our fellowship, nor will it be readily available to those that have a drinking problem (or those wishing to help those that do). The skills needed to setup and maintain a web site are also of concern, not everyone would be able to fully participate in this service function. The cost of the Website would be around $400/year plus reimbursable travel and communication expenses.

Option 1   We recommend that the Site also include Area 92, District and Central Office/Intergroup service information.

Pros   Much valuable information could be shown on the Website, for example: Groups and District Committees meeting times and locations, Central Office/Intergroup Hours of operation and location, as well as A.A. contact information (telephone numbers, mailing addresses, etc.). However each Area 92 service entity will decide for themselves what information they do or do not want shown on the Website, Group meeting information will not be given if that is the Group's conscience. For Area 92 Districts and Central Office/Intergroups wanting their own web site, to provide more detailed information, the Area Website will link to them in order to make their information more accessible and to enhance unity within Area 92. Area 92 will also provide hosting resources and technical assistance to make it easier and cheaper to create these independent web sites.

Note: Hosting in this context refers to the resources need to put a web site on the Internet. Website hosting is typically accomplished by establishing an account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Area 92 service entities wanting to use the Area 92 Website resources will be expected and trusted to follow A.A.'s Traditions at all times.

Cons   District's, Central Offices or Intergroups web sites may present information that follows A.A.'s 12 Traditions, but it may be objectionable to Area 92's conscience as a whole. There are no provisions in the guidelines to address this particular situation.

Option 2   We recommend that the Site also include external service information as it pertains to Area 92. (PRAASA, PNWC, Regional Forms, etc.)

Pros   Links to A.A. information and resources outside Area 92 provides a service to our traveling fellowship. It also reduces misunderstandings and enhances unity with A.A. as a whole. Links to other web sites will be restricted to those created and maintained by bona fide A.A. service entities (other trusted servants) that follow A.A.'s 12 Traditions, for example: other Areas, Area 72 (Western Washington), and Portland Intergroup.

Cons   Linking to external service information could be viewed as an endorsement of other A.A. service entities. This could be a problem, especially when Area 92 disagrees with some of the information that is presented. And even if the information is acceptable to Area 92 and follows A.A.'s Traditions at one point in time, the information could be changed to something objectionable without Area 92 knowing it.

Option 3   We recommend that the Site also include Area 92 fellowship activities. (Speaker Meetings, Roundups, Picnics, Dances, etc.)

Pros   Recovery tools take many forms. For a large number of A.A.s, fellowship activitiesa are one form. Having fellowship activities on the Website, would also help to make up for problems with the Area Newsletter publication cycle, where flyers and activity information are often not created far enough in advance to meet the Area Newsletter submission deadline.

Cons   Fellowship activities are not part of the A.A. program, they should not be accessible to the public.

Option 4   We recommend that the Site also include the Area Handbook.

Pros   Presenting the Area Handbook would assist our fellowship and their trusted servants in understanding approved business procedures related to Quarterlies and Assemblies, as well as the roles and responsibilities for Area Officers and Committee Chairs. Also included with this option would be a list of all motions that have been passed or failed by the Area since 1995, including Area Quarterly Housekeeping motions, to aid in learning our history as well as the Area's conscience on important issues that have been addressed.

Cons   The Area Handbook should not be available to the general public, it detracts from and dilutes A.A.'s message of recovery to the still suffering alcoholic.

Option 5   We recommend that the Site also include current motions, approved by the Area Committee, with background information.

Pros   Presenting motions that are to be voted on at an upcoming Area Assembly, as well as background information on them, would assist the Assembly voting body in reaching their conscience on the motions.

Cons   Current Motions should not be available to the general public, it detracts from and dilutes A.A.'s message of recovery to the still suffering alcoholics.

Additional Information   Background information, presentations and Ad Hoc Committee recommendations are also available for the interested reader, including all supporting details that accompanied the motion when it was submitted at the April 2000 Quarterly in Moses Lake. [an error occurred while processing this directive]

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