Al-Anon Group

The group elects two representatives, a Group Representative (GR) and an Information Service Representative (ISR) sometimes called an Alternate Group Representative. The GR acts as the liaison between the group and the District and Oregon Area and attends District meetings and Oregon Area Assemblies. The ISR acts as the liaison between the group and the Al-Anon Information Service (AIS) and attends the Bi-Monthly Service Committee Meetings. Each GR/ISR is chosen by members of the group and may serve as GR/ISR in no more than one group at a time. The GR/ISR is elected for a three‑year term and represents the group’s concerns and wishes, as well as informing the group of what is happening in Al‑Anon in the Portland Area, District, Oregon Area, and worldwide. GR’s & ISR’s are entrusted with the Right of Decision to vote on behalf of the group according to their conscience and the good of Al‑Anon as a whole.

District

The District is the first link from the groups to the Area, the WSO, and the World Service Conference. Each District elects a District Representative (DR), who may visit the groups and represents their voice at Area World Service Committee meetings. The Oregon Area is divided into Districts, each with one DR, who is chosen by the GRs in his District to serve on the Area World Service Committee (AWSC). The Portland AIS supports District 9 (Columbia, & West Multnomah counties), District 10 (Washington, West Clackamas, & South Multnomah counties), District 11 (East Multnomah county), District 12 (NE Multnomah, Shermon, Wasco, & Hood River counties), District 17 (East Clackamas county and West Linn) and part of District 15 (Yamhill county.)

Area World Service Committee

The Area World Service Committee (AWSC) meets in Oregon in February, June, and October, which are the months preceding the Area Assembly meetings. All DRs, Officers, and Coordinators are expected to attend these meetings. The agenda for the Area Assembly is planned at this meeting. Much is learned that can be taken back by the GRs – following the links of service – to the District meeting and local Al-Anon meetings.

Area Assembly

The Area Assembly in Oregon meets in March, July, and November. The Assembly follows the agenda set by the AWSC. All Area DRs, Officers, Coordinators, and GRs are expected to attend these meetings. Any Al-Anon member can attend but they have no voice at the Assembly. Each Area has a Delegate who attends – among other things – the Annual World Service Conference. Any issues that have been addressed but not solved through the links of service can be taken to the World Service Conference (WSC) by the Delegate.

World Service Conference

Once a year all Area Delegates attend the World Service Conference (WSC) to make decisions on behalf of the Al-Anon members in their Area.