Literature

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual

2025 Edition

Approved by 2024 Heroin Anonymous World Service Conference

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 2
Table of Contents

A DEFINITION OF “HEROIN ANONYMOUS” …………………………………………………………………. 5
THE TWELVE STEPS OF HEROIN ANONYMOUS1

……………………………………………………….. 6

THE TWELVE TRADITIONS OF HEROIN ANONYMOUS2

……………………………………………….. 7

THE TWELVE CONCEPTS3

………………………………………………………………………………………… 8
THE IMPORTANCE OF “ANONYMITY” …………………………………………………………………………10
THE STRUCTURE OF HEROIN ANONYMOUS ……………………………………………………………..10
SERVICE STRUCTURE OF HEROIN ANONYMOUS (CHART) ……………………………………….12
STATEMENT OF POLICY …………………………………………………………………………………………..13
HEROIN ANONYMOUS AND H-ANON …………………………………………………………………………13
DEFINITION OF A HEROIN ANONYMOUS GROUP ……………………………………………………….14
THE H.A. GROUP …………………………………………………………………………………………………..14
THE H.A. HOME GROUP …………………………………………………………………………………………15
MEETING/GROUP TYPES: ……………………………………………………………………………………..15
MEETING/GROUP STYLES: ……………………………………………………………………………………15
GROUP SERVANTS ……………………………………………………………………………………………….15
GENERAL SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE (GSR) …………………………………………………….15
ALTERNATE GSR ……………………………………………………………………………………………….16
SECRETARY ………………………………………………………………………………………………………16
GROUP TREASURER ………………………………………………………………………………………….16
DESCRIPTION OF A DISTRICT AND DISTRICT SERVICE COMMITTEE ………………………….17
DISTRICT ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………17
A DISTRICT SERVICE COMMITTEE (DSC) ……………………………………………………………….17
OFFICERS OF THE DSC …………………………………………………………………………………………17
DISTRICT SERVICE OFFICERS DUTIES AND QUALIFICATIONS ………………………………..18
CHAIRPERSON …………………………………………………………………………………………………..18
VICE CHAIRPERSON ………………………………………………………………………………………….18
SECRETARY ………………………………………………………………………………………………………18
TREASURER ………………………………………………………………………………………………………18
DISTRICT SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE ……………………………………………………………….19
DESCRIPTION OF AN AREA AND AREA SERVICE COMMITTEE …………………………………..19
THE AREA …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….19
SUGGESTED AREA FUNCTIONS …………………………………………………………………………….20

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 3
AREA MEETINGS …………………………………………………………………………………………………..20
Possible Voting Members: …………………………………………………………………………………….20
Voting Procedures (Determined by Area): ………………………………………………………………..20
Area Expenses (may include, but are not limited to): …………………………………………………21
AREA SERVICE COMMITTEE OFFICERS DUTIES & QUALIFICATIONS: ……………………..21
CHAIRPERSON: ………………………………………………………………………………………………….21
VICE CHAIRPERSON ………………………………………………………………………………………….21
SECRETARY ………………………………………………………………………………………………………21
AREA TREASURER …………………………………………………………………………………………….21
AREA AND DISTRICT COMMITTEES ……………………………………………………………………….22
WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE DELEGATE The Delegate’s Job is a Spiritual One! ……….23
PROCEDURES FOR DELEGATE/ALTERNATE ELECTION TO THE HEROIN ANONYMOUS
WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE ……………………………………………………………………………23
THE STRUCTURE OF WORLD SERVICES …………………………………………………………………..24
WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE ……………………………………………………………………………24
WSC COMMITTEES STATEMENTS OF PURPOSE ……………………………………………………25
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE: ……………………………………………………………………………….25
PUBLIC INFORMATION COMMITTEE: …………………………………………………………………..26
LITERATURE, KEYTAGS, AND FORMATS COMMITTEE: ………………………………………..26
HOSPITALS AND INSTITUTIONS COMMITTEE: ……………………………………………………..26
STRUCTURE AND BYLAWS COMMITTEE: ……………………………………………………………26
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE: ………………………………………………………..26
FINANCE COMMITTEE: ……………………………………………………………………………………….27
CONVENTION COMMITTEE: ………………………………………………………………………………..27
WSC COMMITTEE AND CONFERENCE OFFICERS DUTIES, QUALIFICATIONS &
SELECTION ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..27
COMMITTEE OFFICERS …………………………………………………………………………………………27
WSC COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON ………………………………………………………………………27
COMMITTEE VICE-CHAIRPERSON ………………………………………………………………………28
COMMITTEE CO-SECRETARIES ………………………………………………………………………….28
CONFERENCE OFFICERS ……………………………………………………………………………………..28
CONFERENCE CHAIRPERSON ……………………………………………………………………………28
CONFERENCE VICE CHAIR/PARLIAMENTARIAN ………………………………………………….29
CONFERENCE CO-SECRETARIES ………………………………………………………………………30
STANDING RULES FOR THE H.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE …………………………….30

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 4
PROCESS TO POLL ALL H.A. GROUPS ………………………………………………………………………31
REGIONAL TRUSTEES ……………………………………………………………………………………………..32
REGIONS ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………32
TERM & REQUIREMENTS ………………………………………………………………………………………32
ELECTION PROCEDURE ………………………………………………………………………………………..32
REGIONS MAP……………………………………………………………………………………………………33
HEROIN ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICE OFFICE BOARD (H.A.W.S, Inc.) …………………….34
H.A.W.S., INC. QUALIFICATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ……………………………………….34
CHAIRPERSON …………………………………………………………………………………………………..34
VICE CHAIRPERSON ………………………………………………………………………………………….35
SECRETARY ………………………………………………………………………………………………………35
TREASURER ………………………………………………………………………………………………………35
WEBMASTER ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..35
KEYTAGS AND LITERATURE ………………………………………………………………………………35
AT LARGE VOTING MEMBER ………………………………………………………………………………36
HEROIN ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE CHARTER ……………………………36
BYLAWS OF HEROIN ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC. ……………………………………..38
WSC PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE GUIDELINES …………………………………………………….48
(Adapted From Robert’s Rules of Order) ………………………………………………………………………..48
ROBERT’S RULE OF ORDER MOTION CHART …………………………………………………………53
APPENDIX ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..55
Conference Approved Literature ………………………………………………………………………………..55

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 5

A DEFINITION OF “HEROIN
ANONYMOUS”

Heroin Anonymous (H.A.) is a fellowship of recovering addicts throughout the world. The
following definition of “Heroin Anonymous” is found in our Fellowship’s literature and is often
read at meetings of H.A.:
Heroin Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength
and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help
others to recover from heroin and opioid addiction. The only requirement for
membership is a desire to stop suffering from heroin and opioid addiction. There
are no dues or fees for HA membership; we are self-supporting through our own
contributions. HA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or
institution; does not engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any
causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other heroin or opioid
addicts to achieve sobriety.*
“We use the Twelve Steps of Recovery, because it has already been proven that the Twelve
Step recovery program works.”
*Reprinted and adapted with permission of A.A. Grapevine, Inc.

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 6

THE TWELVE STEPS OF HEROIN

ANONYMOUS1

1 We admitted we were powerless over heroin and all other opioids – that our
lives had become unmanageable.
2 Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to
sanity.
3 Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God, as we
understood Him.
4 Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5 Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature
of our wrongs.
6 Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7 Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8 Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make
amends to them all.
9 Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do
so would injure them or others.
10 Continued to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong promptly
admitted it.
11 Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with
God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us
and the power to carry that out.
12 Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to
carry this message to heroin addicts, and to practice these principles in all
our affairs.

The Twelve Steps are reprinted and adapted with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) World
Services, Inc. Permission to reprint adapt the Twelves Steps does not mean A.A. is affiliated with this
program. A.A. is a program of recovery from alcoholism. Use of the Steps in connection with programs
and activities which are patterned after A.A., but which address other problems, does not imply
otherwise.1 THE TWELVE STEPS OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: 1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol– that
our lives had become unmanageable. 2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. 3. Made
a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God, as we understood Him. 4. Made a searching and fearless moral
inventory of ourselves. 5. Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. 6. Were
entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. 7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. 8. Made a
list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. 9. Made direct amends to such people wherever
possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. 10. Continued to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong
promptly admitted it. 11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him,
praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. 12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of
these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 7

THE TWELVE TRADITIONS OF HEROIN

ANONYMOUS2

1 Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon
H.A. unity.
2 For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority — a loving God as
He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but
trusted servants; they do not govern.
3 The only requirement for H.A. membership is a desire to stop suffering from
addiction to heroin and all other opioids.
4 Each group should be autonomous, except in matters affecting other groups
or H.A. as a whole.
5 Each group has but one primary purpose — to carry its message to the
heroin and/or opioid addict who still suffers.
6 An H.A. group ought never endorse, finance or lend the H.A. name to any
related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property or
prestige divert us from our primary purpose.
7 Every H.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside
contributions.
8 Heroin Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service
centers may employ special workers.
9 H.A., as such, ought never be organized, but we may create service boards
or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
10 Heroin Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the H.A. name
ought never be drawn into public controversy.
11 Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we
need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio,
television, and films.
12 Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us
to place principles before personalities.
The Twelve Traditions are reprinted and adapted with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World
Services, Inc. Permission to reprint and adapt the Twelve Traditions does not mean AA is affiliated with
this program. AA is a program of recovery from alcoholism. Use of the Traditions in connection with
programs and activities which are patterned after AA, but which address other problems, does not imply
otherwise

2 THE TWELVE TRADITIONS OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: 1. Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery
depends upon A.A. unity. 2. For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority – a loving God as He may express Himself
in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern. 3. The only requirement for A.A. membership
is a desire to stop drinking. 4. Each group should be autonomous, except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole. 5.
Each group has but one primary purpose – to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers. 6. An A.A. group ought never
endorse, finance or lend the A.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property or prestige
divert us from our primary purpose. 7. Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions. 8.
Alcoholics Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers. 9. A.A., as
such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve. 10.
Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy. 11.
Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level
of press, radio, and films. 12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles
before personalities.

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 8

THE TWELVE CONCEPTS3

1 The final responsibility and the ultimate authority for H.A. World Services
should always reside in the collective conscience of our whole Fellowship.
2 The H.A. Groups delegate to the World Service Conference the complete
authority for the active maintenance of our world services and thereby make
the Conference — excepting for any change in the Twelve Traditions — the
actual voice and the effective conscience for our whole Fellowship.
3 As a traditional means of creating and maintaining a clearly defined working
relation between the Groups, the Conference, the World Service Office
Board and its service corporation, staffs, and committees, and of thus
insuring their effective leadership, it is here suggested that we endow each
of these elements of World Service with a traditional “Right of Decision.”
4 Throughout our Conference structure, we ought to maintain at all responsible
levels a traditional “Right of Participation,” taking care that each classification
or group of our world servants shall be allowed a voting representation in
reasonable proportion to the responsibility that each must discharge.
5 Throughout our World Service structure, a traditional “Right of Appeal” ought
to prevail, thus assuring us that minority opinion will be heard and that
petitions for the redress of personal grievances will be carefully considered.
6 On behalf of H.A. as a whole, our World Service Conference has the
principal responsibility for the maintenance of our world services, and it
traditionally has the final decision respecting large matters of general policy
and finance. But the Conference also recognizes that the chief initiative and
the active responsibility in most of these matters should be exercised
primarily by the World Service Board of Heroin Anonymous.
7 The Conference recognizes that the Charter and the Bylaws of the World
Service Board are legal instruments; It is further understood that the
Conference Charter itself is not a legal document; that it relies instead upon
the force of tradition and the power of the H.A. purse for its final
effectiveness.
8 H.A.W.S., Inc. acts in two primary capacities: (a) With respect to the larger
matters of overall policy and finance, they are the principal planners and
administrators. They and their primary committees directly manage these
affairs. (b) But with respect to our separately incorporated and constantly
active services, the relation of H.A.W.S., Inc. is mainly that of custodial
oversight which they exercise through their ability to elect all Directors of
these entities.
9 Good service leaders, together with sound and appropriate methods of
choosing them are at all levels indispensable for our future functioning and
safety.
10 Every service responsibility should be matched by an equal service authority
— the scope of such authority to be always well defined whether by tradition,
by resolution, by specific job description or by appropriate charters and
bylaws.
11 While H.A.W.S., Inc. holds final responsibility for H.A.’s world service
administration, they should always have the assistance of the best possible
standing committees and service boards, staffs and consultants. Therefore
the composition of these underlying committees and service boards, the
personal qualifications of their members, the manner of their induction into

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 9

service, the system of their rotation, the way in which they are related to
each other, the special rights and duties of our staffs and consultants,
together with a proper basis for the financial compensation of these special
workers will always be matters for serious care and concern.
12 General Warranties of the Conference: In all its proceedings, the World
Service Conference shall observe the spirit of the H.A. Tradition, taking great
care that the Conference never becomes the seat of perilous wealth or
power; that the sufficient operating funds, plus an ample reserve, be its
prudent financial principle; that none of the Conference members shall ever
be placed in a position of unqualified authority over any of the others; that all
important decisions be reached by discussion, vote, and whenever possible,
by substantial unanimity (2⁄3 vote); that no Conference action ever be
personally punitive or an incitement to public controversy; that though the
Conference may act for the service of Heroin Anonymous, it shall never
perform any acts of government; and that, like the Fellowship of Heroin
Anonymous which it serves, the Conference itself will always remain
democratic in thought and action.
The Twelve Concepts are reprinted and adapted with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World
Services, Inc. Permission to reprint and adapt the Twelve Concepts does not mean that A.A. is
affiliated with this program. A.A. is a program of recovery from alcoholism. Use of the Concepts in
connection with program and activities, which are patterned after A.A. but which address other
problems, does not imply otherwise. 1

3 THE TWELVE CONCEPTS OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: 1. Final responsibility and ultimate authority for A.A. world
services shall always reside in the collective conscience of our whole Fellowship. 2. The General Service Conference of A.A.
has become, for nearly every practical purpose, the actual voice and the effective conscience for our whole Society in its world
affairs. 3. To insure effective leadership, we should endow each element of A.A. – the Conference, the General Service Board
and its service corporation, staffs, committees, and executives with traditional “Right of Decision.” 4. At all responsible levels, we
ought to maintain a traditional “Right of Participation,” allowing voting representation in reasonable proportion to the
responsibility that each must discharge. 5. Throughout our structure, a traditional “Right of Appeal” ought to prevail, so that
minority opinion will be heard and personal grievances receive careful consideration. 6. The Conference recognizes that the
chief initiative and active responsibility in most world service matters should be exercised primarily by the trustee members of
the Conference acting as the General Service Board. 7. The Charter and Bylaws of the General Service Board are legal
instruments, empowering the trustees to manage and conduct all of the world service affairs. The Conference Charter is not a
legal document; it relies upon tradition and the A.A. purse for final effectiveness. 8. The trustees are the principal planners and
administrators of overall policy and finance. They have custodial oversight of the separately incorporated and constantly active
services, exercising this through their ability to elect all the directors of these entities. 9. Good service leadership at all levels is
indispensable for our future functioning and safety. Primary world service leadership, once exercised by the founders, must
necessarily be assumed by the trustee. 10. Every service responsibility should be matched by an equal service authority, with
the scope of such authority always well defined. 11. The Trustees should always have the best possible committees, corporate
service directors, executives, staffs and consultants. Composition, qualifications induction procedures, and rights and duties will
always be matters of serious concern. 12. The Conference shall observe the spirit of the A.A. tradition, taking care that it never
becomes the seat of perilous wealth and power; that the sufficient operating funds and reserves be its prudent financial
principle; that it place none of its members in a position of unqualified authority over others; that it reach all important decisions
by discussion, vote, and whenever possible, by substantial unanimity; that its actions never be personally punitive nor an
incitement to public controversy; that it never perform acts of government, and that, like the Society it serves, it will always
remain democratic in thought and action.

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 10

THE IMPORTANCE OF “ANONYMITY”

Traditionally, H.A. members have always taken care to preserve their anonymity at the public
level: press, radio, television, and films. We know from experience that many people with
drug problems might hesitate to turn to H.A. for help if they thought their problems might be
discussed publicly, even inadvertently, by others. Newcomers should be able to seek help
with complete assurance that their identities will not be disclosed to anyone outside the
Fellowship.
We believe that the concept of personal anonymity has a spiritual significance for us: it
discourages the drives for personal recognition, power, prestige, or profit that have caused
difficulties in some societies. Much of our relative effectiveness in working with addicts might
be impaired if we sought or accepted public recognition.
While each member of H.A. is free to make his or her own interpretation of H.A. Tradition, no
individual is ever recognized as a spokesperson for the Fellowship locally, nationally or
internationally. Each member speaks only for themselves.
Heroin Anonymous is grateful to all media for their assistance in strengthening and observing
the Tradition of anonymity. When appropriate, the H.A. World Service Office sends to all
major media a letter describing the Traditions and asking their support in observing it.
An H.A. member may, for various reasons, “break anonymity” deliberately at the public level.
Since that is a matter of individual choice and conscience, the Fellowship as a whole has no
control over such deviations from Tradition. It is clear, however, that they do not have the
approval of the group conscience of H.A. members.

THE STRUCTURE OF HEROIN

ANONYMOUS

Heroin Anonymous is not organized in a formal or political sense. There are no governing
officers, no rules or regulations, no dues or fees.
However, the need for services to addicts throughout the world is very important to the
Fellowship. Inquiries from both within and outside the Fellowship must be answered. Literature
must be written, printed and distributed, and requests for help should prompt a follow up.
The main service body of the Fellowship is H.A. World Service Board, which is based out of
Phoenix, Arizona, but has volunteers nationwide who maintain communications with local
Groups and with persons outside the Fellowship who turn to H.A. for information on the
program of recovery. H.A. Conference-approved literature and keytags are prepared,
published, and distributed through this office.
The principle of consistent rotation of responsibility is followed by all H.A. service positions.

The spirit of rotation is a vital principle within our service structure which allows for non-
successive terms on all service positions. This enables more members to experience the true

nature of service. Positions in the Service Structure are rotated according to a vote of the
Service Structure. Representatives to the local service organization are voted on at the Service
Structure level according to a schedule defined by each Service Structure. Officers of the
service organization are elected based on the group conscience of that organization.
Formal organization is kept to a minimum at the local Group level. The Group may have a

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 11
limited number of “officers” whose responsibilities include, but are not limited to, arranging
meetings, providing refreshments, handling the Group’s budget, and maintaining contact with
the local service organization.

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 12

SERVICE STRUCTURE OF HEROIN
ANONYMOUS (CHART)

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 13

STATEMENT OF POLICY

Who may use the name “HEROIN ANONYMOUS,” the block letters “HA,” the official HEROIN
ANONYMOUS LOGO (the “logo”), future variations of the logo, and the motto “NO MORE SUFFERING”:
1 A Heroin Anonymous “Group” as defined herein, for its function of organizing and operating
a regularly scheduled H.A meeting. An H.A. Group may not use the name, letters or logo
for any other purpose (including without limitation, dances, conventions, memorabilia, or
fundraising events) without the prior written consent of its Area/District Chairperson after a
vote taken by the Area/District Service Committee.
2 An H.A. District/Area has the ability to delegate the use of the H.A. name and/or logo on
memorabilia. Proper discussion at the Area/District service committee meeting shall be
part of the process.
3 Heroin Anonymous World Service Office, Inc. (a public nonprofit) and Heroin Anonymous
World Services, Inc. (a public nonprofit).
4 To avoid implied affiliation, when referencing the name Heroin Anonymous, the block letter
“HA”., the official Heroin Anonymous logo, future variations of the logo, and the motto No
More Suffering®, on publications such as flyers, newsletters, directories, the following
disclaimer should be used: “In the spirit of Tradition Six, H.A. is not allied with any sect,
denomination, politics, organization or institution.”
5 Any media (printed, electronic, or otherwise) to be made available by the group, district, or
area, to the fellowship, shall have prior approval from the respective service body.
6 The service body granting the use of the H.A. logo shall be responsible for ensuring that
the proper H.A. logo, with applicable trademarks as shown below, is used on printed
materials and memorabilia.
7 7. When incorporating, no individual or entity may use the name “Heroin Anonymous” alone
or within the corporation name for incorporation purposes.

HEROIN ANONYMOUS AND H-ANON

The relationship between the fellowships of Heroin Anonymous and H-Anon is a special one. As the disease
of addiction affects many, our recovery process inherently affects many as well. Yet the Twelve Traditions,
the General Service Boards, and Service Conferences of both fellowships suggest that remaining
“separate” makes each more effective. The policy of “cooperation but not affiliation” is recognized as
important in maintaining separate fellowships. Consistent with that premise, Heroin Anonymous provides
the following position regarding the relationship with H-Anon:
“While being mindful of the impact of our disease on those who care about us and the support
we receive from them, we in Heroin Anonymous are guided by our Sixth Tradition. As such, we
must ensure that our desire to cooperate with H-Anon in thought, action, and spirit does not
result in affiliation, either outright or implied.”

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 14

DEFINITION OF A HEROIN ANONYMOUS GROUP

A meeting is when two or more people gather together to share their experience, strength, and hope with
each other.
A meeting may call itself an H.A. Group when:
1 The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using heroin.
2 It is fully self-supporting.
3 Its primary purpose is to help addicts recover through the Twelve Steps of H.A.
4 It has no outside affiliations.
5 It has no opinion on outside issues.
6 Its public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion.
THE H.A. GROUP
The basic unit in H.A. is the local Group, which is autonomous except in matters affecting other Groups or
H.A., as a whole. The Group has but one primary purpose, which is to help others to recover through the
suggested Twelve Steps. Each Group is self-supporting through its own contributions. As the Twelve Steps
are our guide to recovery, the Twelve Traditions are our guide to Group unity, growth, and discipline. Its
members maintain their personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, television, and films.
The importance of the Group, what it constitutes and its functions, cannot be stressed enough. Maintenance
of our recovery depends on the sharing of our experience, strength, and hope with each other, thus helping
us to identify and understand the nature of our disease.
Most addicts in H.A. achieve and sustain their recovery as a result of their participation in the activities of
the Group. The Group is the heart of Heroin Anonymous, and it is vital to the new member. It is equally
important to those who have achieved recovery as a result of the program. They may continue to participate
and receive assistance from the Group. The Group’s total responsibility is perhaps best expressed by the
First Tradition: “Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon H.A. unity.”
Most meetings follow a more or less set format, although distinctive variations have developed. It is our
experience that many meetings begin or end with some form of prayer. While each H.A. group is
autonomous, and adopts its own format, H.A. as such never endorses, opposes, or affiliates, expressed or
implied, with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution. A leader describes the H.A.
program briefly for the benefit of the newcomers and then turns the meeting over to a speaker or
participation.
Sometime during the meeting, there is usually a period for H.A. related announcements of interest to the
meeting. A collection is taken to cover rent, literature and keytags, refreshments and contributions to the
District, Area, and World Service Office as per the 7th Tradition. Many groups hold a business meeting
monthly, or at other intervals, to discuss such items as: group
finances, distribution of 7th Tradition, meeting format, election of trusted servants, etc. It is suggested that
records be kept of group business meeting decisions. Each group is autonomous, and the group conscience
decides how business meetings may be conducted.
Those attending meetings are reminded that any opinions or interpretations they may hear are solely those
of the speaker or participant involved. All members are free to interpret the recovery program in their own
terms, but none can speak for the local Group or H.A. as a whole.

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 15
THE H.A. HOME GROUP
A Home Group may be defined as a meeting a member regularly attends. The Home Group provides an
opportunity to be of service. Experience shows a Home Group is one of the vital components to continuous
sobriety. In a Home Group members can participate in the business meeting and are able to cast their vote
as a part of the group conscience.
MEETING/GROUP TYPES:
OPEN: Attended by H.A. members, their families, friends and other interested people.
CLOSED: Attendance is limited to H.A. members only.
MEETING/GROUP STYLES:
STEP STUDY: Participants study and discuss the Twelve Steps with the Group. BOOK STUDY:
Participants study and discuss, with the Group, any of these books:
– Alcoholics Anonymous (the “Big Book”)
– Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions (the “12 and 12″)
-The H.A. Service Manual, combined with the “12 Concepts for World Service”.
PARTICIPATION: Participants discuss their experience, strength, and hope with the meeting/group, one
member at a time.
SPEAKER: One or more H.A. members share their personal experience, strength, and hope with the
meeting/group at length.
HOSPITALS & INSTITUTIONS (H&I): H&I Meetings are often restricted to patients or residents only and
are not open to the community as a whole. These meetings are brought into facilities by local H.A. members
through the H&I committee. H&I meetings are basically beginners’ meetings; the chairperson of each
meeting provides the speakers. They are not usually listed in the area or world directory, and they do not
observe the 7th tradition. Certain facilities may require H&I meeting providers to be subject to sobriety or
other requirements.
ONLINE MEETINGS:
– Email meetings: These are email based and run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
– Voice meetings – These are voice only, voice over internet protocol meetings and are similar
in format to face to face meetings.
– Video Meetings – These meetings allow for video conferencing, at the discretion of the
participant to use video and/or audio and operate almost identically to face-to-face meetings.
GROUP SERVANTS
“For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority — a loving God as He may express Himself in
our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.”
H.A. groups may create such service positions, as they deem necessary, to carry on the group functions
with such job duties and sobriety requirements, as they feel appropriate. Such positions, by way of
illustration, might include: Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Literature, Coffee Maker/Hospitality, Greeter,
etc. The suggested business positions of groups are:
GENERAL SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE (GSR)
Suggested sobriety time: One year
Term: One year

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 16
The GSR position is a very important service position for which a member can be elected. Great care
should be taken with this choice. The quality of the District/Area Services and ultimately World Services
can only be as good as those choices the individual Groups make. As with the Secretaries, GSR
candidates should only accept positions for those Groups that they regularly attend. Regular attendance
is to be defined by the groups. They are the ones who will carry the information back to the Group as to
what is going on in our Fellowship on a District/Area level as well as the World level.
It should be understood that a GSR does not require Group approval to vote on matters affecting the
Group or H.A. as a whole, although it is the GSR’s responsibility to vote mindful of the group conscience.
(see: Concept 3). A good GSR is familiar with the H.A. World Service Manual and the Twelve Concepts of
World Services. If the GSR cannot attend, an Alternate should attend. The person elected GSR should be
trusted with the Group vote. Before accepting a nomination for GSR, the nominee must consider the level
of commitment as well as the sacrifice of time involved.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1 Sees that the Traditions are followed within the Group.
2 Attends all appropriate business meetings.
3 Conducts communication between the Group, District, and Area.
4 Reads/reviews communications from the District, Area, and World Service.
ALTERNATE GSR
The purpose and responsibility of the Alternate GSR is to assist the GSR and to assume the
responsibilities of the GSR when necessary. Suggested requirements and qualifications are the same as
those for GSR.
SECRETARY
Suggested sobriety time: Six Months
Term: One year
The Secretary is a trusted servant whose responsibility is to provide the Group with the leadership best
suited to assist the recovery of the members through utilization of the H.A. Program.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. See that the Traditions are being followed within the Group.
2. Follow the format in accordance with the group conscience.
3. See that the responsibilities of the other Group servants are met.
4. See that Seventh Tradition contributions of the members are collected and that a record
is kept of the Group’s income and expenses.
5. See that the Group is represented at the District or Area Service Meeting.
6. See that rent for the meeting space is paid and that the Group’s monthly contribution is
forwarded to the District, Area, and/or World Service Office.
7. Keep an accurate, up-to-date record of changes of the group conscience.
8. Keep a record of each officer’s election date.
9. Display H.A. literature and schedules.
GROUP TREASURER
Suggested sobriety time: One Year
Suggested prior service time: Six Months
Term: One Year
Gainfully employed and/or financially solvent.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1 Keeps an accurate bookkeeping system. (See the “Group Treasurer’s Record” form
located in the Financial Guidelines for Groups, Districts & Areas of Heroin Anonymous.
Pages 6-8)

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 17
2 When applicable, maintains Group bank account(s) with checks requiring two signatures.
3 Gives financial reports to the Group regularly.
4 Pays all Group expenses.
5 Passes on contributions to the District/Area and/or the World Service Office.
6 Collects and documents 7th Tradition money.
7 Collects and documents the H&I money (if H&I cans are passed at that meeting) and
passes the H&I money onto the District or Area Treasurer, distinguished as H&I money.

DESCRIPTION OF A DISTRICT AND DISTRICT

SERVICE COMMITTEE

The primary level of organization of Heroin Anonymous consists of the individual meetings/groups.
DISTRICT
A District is a geographical unit within an Area containing a number of groups within a close proximity,
which find it necessary to unify. A District has the primary function of the unification of its groups by
keeping in frequent contact with them, learning about their problems, and sharing ways to contribute to
their growth and well-being. It is suggested that two (2) or more groups comprise a District and that each
two (2) groups elect a District Service Representative to sit on the Area Service Committee. When
districting or redistricting, approval of the groups within each current or proposed District is essential. The
proposed districting or redistricting should be approved by the Area Service Committee. As the number of
groups within a District increases, the District should either split into two Districts or elect more District
Service Representatives from such groups to the Area Service Committee.
A DISTRICT SERVICE COMMITTEE (DSC)
A district service committee (DSC) is a group made up of the Group Service Representatives from the
individual groups in the District, the District Service Representatives and the DSC officers. The DSC
meets on a monthly basis to handle the business needs of the District. The DSC may create committees
to service such needs as Telephone (Helpline), Public Information, CPC (Cooperation with the
Professional Community), Hospitals and Institutions, Literature and Keytags, and Special Events. The
most important function is to serve the needs of the local meetings. If a meeting has a situation it cannot
handle, it can come to the District Service Committee. The active participation of each GSR is essential
for a successful DSC.
Whatever endeavor or extracurricular activity is taken on by the District, they should at all times try to use
or take advantage of Area resources, in order not to duplicate efforts or expenses already incurred by the
Area.
Possible Voting Members: Officers of the DSC, General Service Representatives, Alternate General
Service Representatives (optional), and other trusted servants.
Voting Procedures (Determined by District):
Voting examples can be found in the World Service Manual (WSM) World Service Conference (WSC)
Parliamentary Procedure Guidelines.
OFFICERS OF THE DSC
The District should elect officers yearly, which include:
1 Chairperson
2 Vice Chairperson

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 18
3 Secretary
4 Treasurer
5 District Service Representatives – one for every ten (10) groups in the District, elected by
the groups’ GSR
6 Alternate DSR (optional)
7 Chairpersons of District Service Standing Committees (optional) – elected by the
respective standing committees and approved by the DSC

It is suggested that the district avail itself of an advisor position. This position may be filled by an H.A.
Area Delegate or any trusted party possessing substantial experience with the Twelve Steps, Twelve
Traditions, and Twelve Concepts of World Service, who may or may not be a member of Heroin
Anonymous.
There should be one General Service Representative (GSR) elected from each group. The DSC officers
should be elected from among the active GSR. Upon election, the DSC officers shall no longer serve as
GSR. Those groups, which they represented, must elect a new GSR.
The District Service Representative (DSR) is the essential link between the groups’ GSR and the Area’s
Delegates to the World Service Conference. As a member of the District Service Committee, the DSR is
exposed to the group conscience of that District. As a member of the Area Service Committee, the DSR
passes on the Group’s tenets to the Area’s Delegates and the Area Service Committee.
DISTRICT SERVICE OFFICERS DUTIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
CHAIRPERSON
a. Two years of continuous sobriety.
b. One year commitment.
c. Six months of active service in H.A.
d. Arranges agenda.
e. Presides over monthly meetings.
f. Only votes in case of a tie.
g. Assumes the responsibilities of coordinating all activities within the District. h.
Encourages trusted servants to chair various committees.

VICE CHAIRPERSON
a. One year of continuous sobriety.
b. One year commitment.
c. Six months of active service in H.A.
d. Coordinates all committee functions.
e. In absence of Chairperson, performs the duties of Chairperson.
f. Chairperson of one standing committee.
SECRETARY
a. One year of continuous sobriety.
b. One year commitment.
c. Six months of active service in H.A.
d. Keeps accurate minutes of each meeting.
e. Handles correspondence and maintains business records of the District.
TREASURER
a. Two years of continuous sobriety.
b. One year commitment.
c. One year of active service in H.A.
d. Gainfully employed and/or financially stable.
e. Receives and deposits contributions from meetings and special events. f. Keeps an
accurate bookkeeping system.

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 19
f. Maintains bank account(s) with checks requiring two (2) signatures.
g. Gives regular financial report with a copy of the District Bank Statement (account
numbers blacked out)
h. Timely filings with regulatory agencies (e.g. state and local taxes, nonprofit corporation
forms).
i. Pays all expenses.
j. Passes on contributions to the Area and World Service.
k. Forwards yearly district reconciliation to the Area Treasurer for the purpose of Area
Reports to regulatory agencies.
DISTRICT SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
a. Two years of continuous sobriety.
b. One year commitment.
c. Six months of active service in H.A. including prior service as a General Service
Representative (GSR).
d. Represents a District in the Area Service Committee.
e. Provides communication between the District and the Area.
f. Communicates with other District Service Committee members.
g. Keeps GSR informed about WSC activities.
h. Acquaints GSR with the H.A. World Service Manual, the Twelve Concepts for World
Service, and all other WSC-approved service materials.
i. Attends all Area and District Service Committee meetings.
j. Communicates to groups the responsibilities and importance of general service work.
ALTERNATE DISTRICT SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
Some Districts find it appropriate to elect an Alternate DSR. The Alternate should possess the same
qualifications as the DSR.

DESCRIPTION OF AN AREA AND AREA SERVICE

COMMITTEE

THE AREA
An Area is usually a geographic unit with defined boundaries. The Conference may also recognize Areas
whose boundaries do not fit a geographic description. The primary function of an Area is to serve the
common needs of its District(s) and Group(s) and to facilitate unification of the Fellowship. A World
Service Delegate comes from an Area.
As new Areas are created or if an established area changes its boundary definition, a “Petition to Become
an Area” form must be submitted, and the creation or change must be recognized by the WSC. For
information on petition forms please contact a trustee or the H.A.W.S., Inc.. These petitions may also be
obtained online at https://heroinanonymous.org.
The Area serves the Fellowship by distributing keytags and literature, handling financial contributions of
the Fellowship for that Area, and communicating with the H.A. World Service Office. The primary function
of the Area is to serve the common needs of its District Members and to facilitate unification. The Area
Service Committee should establish a permanent mailing address and bank account. If need arises, the
Area should establish an Area Central Office. The Area should also stay in contact with the H.A. World
Service Office for purposes of registering/updating its meeting information in the World Directory and
communicating information regarding Area functions such as Service Conferences, Conventions, and
other special events to promote and ensure unity within the H.A. Fellowship as a whole.

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 20
SUGGESTED AREA FUNCTIONS
1 The Area Service Committee is entrusted with local service board incorporation, if
required.
2 Coordinates Area telephone services.
3 Distributes and/or sells literature and keytags.
4 Standing Committees include:
5 Maintains and updates a list of all Area meetings.
a. Telephone (Helpline)
b. Hospitals and Institutions
c. Public Information
d. Archives
e. Convention
f. Keytags and Literature
g. Finance
h. CPC (Cooperation with Professional Community)
i. Special Events
j. Unity
k. Internet
6 Maintains ongoing communications with the Districts.
7 Maintains ongoing communication with the World Service Office and WSC.
8 Publishes newsletter (subject to review by H.A.W.S.).
9 Publishes and distributes Area Meeting Schedules.
10 Elects Delegates to the World Service Conference.
11 Holds Assemblies and/or monthly Service Meetings.
12 Sponsors service days and workshops.
13 Sponsors Area Conventions.
14 Establishes and administers a Central Office, if appropriate.
15 Maintains a bank account.
AREA MEETINGS
Areas may hold two different types of Area Service Meetings:
1 Monthly Area Service Committee Meetings: These are administrative in nature where
reports on day-to-day activities and issues are received, reviewed, and if appropriate, acted
upon.
2 Annual, Bi-Annual, or Quarterly Assembly Meetings: Because of time and distance, these
types of meetings may be held for these activities:
a. Election of WSC Delegates and Area Officers.
b. Treasurer’s report.
c. Local Convention report.
d. WSC Delegate report.
e. Central Office report, if applicable.
f. Old business/new business.
g. Decision of major importance.

Possible Voting Members:
Area Officers, Committee Chairpersons, District Service Representatives, General Service
Representatives and Alternate GSR, WSC Delegates, Advisory Board/Steering Committee members, and
other trusted servants.
Voting Procedures (Determined by Area):

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 21
Voting examples can be found in the WSM WSC Parliamentary Procedure Guidelines.
Area Expenses (may include, but are not limited to):
1. Costs for rent and coffee for service meetings
2. Keytags and literature inventory
3. Telephone
4. Standing committees (e.g., costs of mailing, copying, etc.)
5. Central office workers
6. Insurance
7. Legal fees, accountant fees, and employee’s salary, or sales tax
8. Postage and supplies
9. Delegate expenses to the WSC
10. Bank charges
AREA SERVICE COMMITTEE OFFICERS DUTIES & QUALIFICATIONS:
CHAIRPERSON:
a. Two years of continuous sobriety.
b. Two year commitment.
c. One year of active service in H.A.
d. Presides over monthly/quarterly meetings and arranges agenda.
e. Assumes responsibilities of coordinating all activities within the Area. f. Encourages
trusted servants to Chair various Standing Committees.
f. Only votes in case of a tie.
VICE CHAIRPERSON
a. One year of continuous sobriety.
b. Two year commitment.
c. Six months of active service in H.A.
d. In absence of Chairperson performs those duties of Chairperson.
e. Chairperson of one Standing Committee.
f. Coordinates general Committee activities.
SECRETARY
a. One year of continuous sobriety.
b. Two year commitment.
c. Six months of active service in H.A.
d. Keeps accurate minutes of each meeting.
e. General communications throughout the Area.
f. Records the number and location of each meeting in the Area.
AREA TREASURER
a. Three years continuous sobriety
b. Two year commitment
c. One year of active service in H.A.
d. Gainfully employed and/or financially stable.
e. Bookkeeping or Accounting experience preferred
f. Receives and deposits contributions from meetings and special events. g. Keeps an
accurate bookkeeping system.
g. Maintains bank account(s) with checks requiring two (2) signatures.

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 22
h. Gives a regular financial report with a copy of the Area Bank Statement (with account
numbers blacked out).
i. Timely filings with regulatory agencies (e.g. state and local taxes, nonprofit corporation
forms). To protect the Area’s non-profit status yearly filings are required. It is
recommended that these filings be done by an independent accountant.
j. Pays all expenses.
k. Passes on contributions to the Area and World Service.
AREA AND DISTRICT COMMITTEES
It is suggested that the following Committees exist at both the District and Area levels. When appropriate,
Committees may be combined or added.
a. TELEPHONE (HELPLINE): Responsible for the provision of information and assistance
to individuals seeking aid by phone, and with the communication of messages received
for other committees.
b. HOSPITALS AND INSTITUTIONS: Responsible for the coordination of and active
participation in Twelve Step work within hospitals and institutions.
c. PUBLIC INFORMATION: Responsible for the distribution of literature and information to
the public.
d. ARCHIVES: Responsible for the collection, organization, categorization, copying,
preserving, and electronically storing of all of Heroin Anonymous’ historically valued
documentation and memorabilia.
e. KEYTAGS AND LITERATURE: Responsible for the distribution of literature and keytags
to H.A. Districts, Groups, members, and interested institutions.
f. FINANCE: Responsible for all matters relating to records, finances, and expenditures.
The committee makes recommendations on all matters pertaining to the administration
and operation of finances and expenditures. The Finance Committee shall implement
and oversee controls necessary to safeguard the assets of the Fellowship, including
employment of a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) to make periodic audits.
g. CONVENTION: Responsible for the coordination of conventions to carry the message of
recovery, unity, and service to members of Heroin Anonymous.
h. COOPERATION WITH THE PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY (CPC): Responsible for a
unique brand of 12-Step work by carrying the message of recovery to professionals, who
in their line of work, may have some sort of supervisory capacity over or direct contact
with individuals who may have a problem with heroin. The committee informs the
professional community about H.A.: what we are, where we are, and what we can and
cannot do to help the addict who still suffers. The committee attempts to establish
communication between H.A. members and the professional community to find
productive methods of cooperation, not affiliation, within the H.A. traditions.
i. FUNDRAISER/ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE: Responsible for the communication
and outreach among the diverse elements within the Fellowship at all levels, in the
interest of carrying the H.A. message. It is also suggested that these committees sponsor
annual workshops and other forums to promote H.A. unity.
j. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE: “The purpose of the committee is to
serve as a resource for the H.A. service structure in areas of emerging technologies. In
addition, we facilitate and assist Areas and Districts in approving their local websites, so
that they may have a link directly from the H.A. web properties. The IT Committee, on an
ongoing basis, works on adapting available technologies to better carry the message of
H.A., while always keeping in mind the Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts of H.A.,
H.A. policies, privacy, and security.” H.A.’s First Tradition: “Our common welfare should
come first; personal recovery depends upon H.A. unity.”

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 23

WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE DELEGATE

The Delegate’s Job is a Spiritual One!

1 Conference Delegates are required to have a working knowledge of the Twelve Steps, the Twelve
Traditions, the Twelve Concepts of Service, and the World Services Conference Charter.
2 Attend the World Service Conference (WSC) prepared, in order to be able to vote knowledgeably.
Conference Delegates should be present during all voting times until the end of Conference.
Every Conference Delegate, after their election, will notify the World Service Office (WSO) in order
to be placed on the mailing list and to receive all Conference materials, which require several
hours of study.
3 After the Conference, the Delegate transmits the information back to their Area through Area and
District Meetings as well as to individual Groups. It is important that the information about the
WSO and WSC be passed on with enthusiasm, encouraging the continued health and growth of
H.A.
4 Delegates shall encourage their Areas to generate funds to help support World Services.
5 Delegates must be prepared to attend District, and Area service meetings. They must understand
the issues in their Areas to be better able to present them to the Conference.
6 Delegates cooperate with WSO by providing local meeting schedules and local H.A. information
numbers.
7 Delegates provide H.A. leadership by helping to solve local problems involving the H.A. Traditions.
In the spirit of this leadership need, it is suggested that, if possible, Delegates and Alternate
Delegates not hold any other service commitments at the District or Area level. A H.A.W.S., Inc.
member may not also hold a delegate position concurrently. Further, in the spirit of rotation,
wherever possible, Delegates should only serve one term and not consecutive terms.
8 Delegates visit Groups in their Districts/Areas and are sensitive to their needs and reactions. They
should learn how the Groups have reacted to Conference reports. Delegates know communication
is a two-way street, with information moving in both directions.
9 Delegates serve on a World Service Conference Committee and work closely with Committee
members throughout the year. It is the Delegate’s responsibility to work closely with other
members of their WSC committee to ensure that it is in action throughout the year.
10 Delegates keep Alternate Delegates fully informed so that the Alternate can replace the Delegate
in an emergency.
11 Delegates shall help all newly elected WSC Delegates from their Areas by passing on knowledge
of WSC procedures.
PROCEDURES FOR DELEGATE/ALTERNATE ELECTION TO THE HEROIN
ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE
1 Delegates and Alternate Delegates are to be elected to the WSC by each Area. Each Area shall
have two (2) votes which may be carried by up to two (2) Area Delegates or Alternate Delegate(s),
in person or by proxy, as set forth in the Standing Rules for the Heroin Anonymous World Service
Conference. The number of delegates that an Area has is dependent on the number of meetings
that the Area has per week (excluding H&I). In the spirit of the 12 concepts and to preserve the
right of participation, once elected, the delegate may serve out the entirety of their term- even if
the number of meetings for an Area were to dip below the designated threshold. It is up to each
Area, at the time of their elections, to determine if an outgoing delegate needs to be replaced
based on the number of meetings for the Area. See the list below to determine the number of
votes your Area carries.
1-10 meetings – 2 delegates 36-50 meetings – 5 delegates 11-20 meetings – 3 delegates
51-76 meetings – 6 delegates 21-35 meetings – 4 delegates 76-125 meetings – 7 delegates
2 The purpose of the Alternate Delegate is to assist the Delegate and to assume the responsibilities

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 24
of the Delegate when necessary. Suggested requirements and qualifications are the same as
those for Delegates. Any Alternate who replaces the Delegate at the WSC will remain on the WSC
mailing list as that Area’s delegate for the balance of the unexpired portion of the original
Delegate’s term until the WSO is informed otherwise by the Area Chairperson. Such an Alternate
Delegate succeeding to a Delegate position is eligible to run for election to a full Delegate term.
3 The Area must decide at the Delegate election who is eligible to be a Delegate and who is eligible
to vote for the Delegate. It is suggested that the GSR, District Officers, Service Committee
Chairpersons, Area Officers, and other members who are involved in H.A. service will qualify for
election. It is further suggested that Delegates have two years of continuous sobriety.
4 The Delegates and Alternate Delegates are to be elected for a term of four (4) Conferences, within
a period of four (4) consecutive years. It is suggested that the spirit of rotation be followed.
5 When necessary, Delegate elections are to be held 120 days prior to the World Service
Conference.

THE STRUCTURE OF WORLD SERVICES
The following three branches of service within H.A. constitute World Services:
WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE
WORLD SERVICE OFFICE BOARD (H.A.W.S., INC.)
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The basic purposes of World Services are:
1 Communication
2 Coordination
3 Information
4 Consensus
The three branches are interrelated and work together to benefit all of H.A. Each branch functions within
its own framework and guidelines.
Only at this level of World Services do we find service bodies designed to deal with situations that involve
our entire Fellowship. Even though all parts of the service structure affect and are affected by the H.A.
Fellowship, it is only at this level that decisions are made that affect H.A. as a whole. A new concept in
service is found at this level, the concept of the non-addict servant. The non-addict servant has important
professional and/or other valuable skills to benefit the Fellowship as a whole.
WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE
The WSC is the nerve center and voice of our Fellowship. The WSC is the one time each year when all
our service branches come together. Unlike all other branches of H.A. service, the WSC is not an entity, it
is an event.
At the WSC, the Delegates, and the managers and Directors of H.A.W.S., Inc. meet to discuss ideas and
direction for the Fellowship of H.A. as a whole. The WSC can last up to a week; however, the planning
and implementation associated with the WSC is a year-round proposition.
The Conference Committee is to provide the planning, organization, logistics, and implementation of the
Business Conference to include preparation of the agenda. The Conference Committee will determine the
location of the Conference unless otherwise agreed upon by voting Conference members. All World
Service Conference contracts must be ratified by H.A.W.S., Inc. and executed by two or more board
members.
Each Delegate must be knowledgeable about the needs and feelings of their Area.

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 25
From general meetings at the WSC, the Conference divides into various committees where all suggestions,
questions, and problems are discussed. These topics include all matters of importance to H.A. as a whole.
Each Delegate serves on a designated Conference Committee of his or her own selection. Any member
of Heroin Anonymous may serve and vote on any World Service Conference Committee, however, each
Participant is limited to voting in one committee.
Non-delegates may serve as Committee officers. Non-Delegate chair expenses must be incorporated into
the committee budget and approved by the committee. Then the approved budget is brought to the
Conference floor by the Finance Committee as part of the complete World Service budget for approval.
All committee budgets need to be submitted to the Finance Committee by 9 am of the last breakout
committee workday. Budgets for each committee, as well as H.A.W.S., Inc., should be sent to the finance
committee 90 days prior to the upcoming conference, if possible. The finalized budgets are brought to the
conference floor by the finance committee. Each year, H.A.W.S., Inc. shall provide a financial report of
the previous year compared to the budget of that year and update on the finances in the current year,
year to date, in comparison to the adopted budget of the current year as well as a current balance sheet.
The finance committee shall then be responsible for the presentation of a budget for the upcoming year
for approval by the conference as part of their closing report.
Conference committee guidelines, policies and procedures are submitted to the Conference for approval,
included in the Delegates notebooks, and are available to other interested members of the fellowship.
Conference Approved Literature – a full list of Conference approved literature appears in the appendix to
this Manual.
The Conference Committees are:
1 Conference
2 Public Information
3 Literature, Keytags and Formats
4 Hospitals and Institutions
5 Structure and Bylaws
6 Finance
7 Information Technology
8 Convention
WSC COMMITTEES STATEMENTS OF PURPOSE
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE:
hawsconferencechair@gmail.com
The purpose of the WSC Conference Committee is to organize the World Service Conference, which
includes:
1 Hotel site selection and negotiation.
2 Preparation of the agenda.
3 Preparation and review of the minutes from each Conference for distribution.
4 Compile the Delegates packets.
5 Develop policies and procedures for the conference.
H.A.W.S., Inc. is responsible for negotiations of contracts related to the Statement of Purpose of the
Conference Committee. This includes WSC hotel contracts and recording contracts, which will be
coordinated with the Conference Committee.
A subcommittee of the Conference Committee also serves as a Credentials Committee. This committee
reviews all petitions to the WSC for Area recognition, as well as the Delegate Credential forms.
A subcommittee of the Conference Committee also serves as a Conference Coordination subcommittee.

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 26
This subcommittee assists in all aspects of Conference planning. The Conference Coordinator shall chair
this subcommittee. The Administrative Coordinator shall serve on this sub-committee. The Conference
Coordinator is responsible to the Conference Committee and the
Conference as a whole for meeting the requirements of the statement of purpose of the Conference
Committee. The Conference Coordinator shall not be a voting member of the Conference. The term of
service begins with the end of the Conference during which he/she is selected and ending at the end of
the second successive Conference.
PUBLIC INFORMATION COMMITTEE:
hawspichair@gmail.com
The Public Information Conference Committee develops, initiates, and plans the means of communication
to the public, which is presented to the Conference for Fellowship approval.
LITERATURE, KEYTAGS, AND FORMATS COMMITTEE:
hawswritingchair@gmail.com
The WSC Literature, Keytags, and Formats Committee reviews, edits, submits to the WSC for approval,
and assists in the publication of WSC approved literature as detailed in the H.A. pamphlet approval
process, H.A. pamphlet publication process and H.A. book approval process. All of these processes may
be found in the WSC Literature, Keytags, and Formats Committee Guidelines. It is our function to
facilitate the expression of our Fellowship through the writing of material for distribution.
The literature we deal with is of the following types:
1 The proposed item will expand the inventory of materials adopted by the Fellowship and
aid membership in understanding and application of the Twelve Steps of Heroin
Anonymous and the Twelve Traditions of Heroin Anonymous.
2 The proposed item carries the message of H.A. to the addict who still suffers. 3. The
proposed item supplies valuable information to the professional fields with whom addicts
would most likely come in contact.
3 The proposed item clarifies the nature of heroin addiction to the general public and
fellowship.

HOSPITALS AND INSTITUTIONS COMMITTEE:
hawshandichair@gmail.com
To provide assistance and guidance to individual Fellowships as well as service Areas that initiate
hospital and institutional activity.
STRUCTURE AND BYLAWS COMMITTEE:
hawsstructureandbylaws@gmail.com
The Structure and Bylaws Committee (S&B) exists to formulate bylaws, guidelines and a structure by
which Heroin Anonymous can operate day-to-day, at Conferences, Areas, and elsewhere around the
World. The Chairperson and committee members execute with great diligence the task of being of
maximum service to our fellowship, by introducing new verbiage into a comprehensive, easy to read,
World Service Manual (WSM). This manual will be distributed after each conference, to allow our
fellowship to grow and flourish.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE:
hawsitchair@gmail.com
The purpose of the committee is to serve as a resource for the H.A. service structure in areas of
emerging technologies. In addition, they facilitate and assist Areas and Districts in approving their local
websites, so that they may have a link directly from the H.A. web properties. The IT Committee, on an
ongoing basis, works on adapting available technologies to better carry the message of H.A., while
always keeping in mind the Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts of H.A., H.A. policies, privacy, and

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 27
security.
FINANCE COMMITTEE:
hawsfinancechair@gmail.com
To establish basic financial guidelines from Areas to Meetings, including, for example proper procedure
for prudent reserve to establishing a bank account for the non-profit organization. To facilitate the
budgeting process for the world services conference, the finance committee will compile the proposed
budget for the upcoming year and present it for approval by the conference as part of its closing report.
Committee will also work with the treasurer of the WSOB to ensure the conference is properly updated on
the financial status of HAWS Inc.
CONVENTION COMMITTEE:
hawsccc@gmail.com
The purpose of the WSC Conference Convention Committee (HAWSCCC) is to develop policies &
procedures for the HA World Convention. Our hope is to help in organizing guidelines & maintaining a
suggested structure for upcoming H.A. World Convention Committees, which include:
1 Bidding Guidelines
2 General Guidelines
3 Organization Structure
4 Finance Coordination/Budget
5 Hotel Site Selection & Registration
6 Transportation
7 Event Preparation & Agenda
8 Committee, Subcommittee, & Individual Commitment Responsibilities i. Misc. Procedure
9 Public Exposure & Outreach
The HAWSCCC guidelines are approved by HAWS & set for future World Conventions so that we can
maintain continuity throughout each upcoming Convention. Although the individual Convention
Committee will each have their own ideas, ambitions and application within their event, we believe
providing conference approved procedures will directly benefit each committee & ensure a smooth World
Convention each year.
Our primary purpose is to carry the message to the Heroin Addict who still suffers; the Heroin Anonymous
World Convention is one of the most important events when it comes to the culmination of our fellowship.
By maintaining the structure provided, we can stay within the integrity of our Traditions and World
Concepts.

WSC COMMITTEE AND CONFERENCE OFFICERS
DUTIES, QUALIFICATIONS & SELECTION

Every Committee should nominate and select its own officers each year prior to presenting its motion(s)
on the Conference floor.
COMMITTEE OFFICERS
WSC COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON
a. Preside over all Committee meetings.
b. Appoint subcommittees and designate subcommittee chairs as needed. c. Prepare
Committee Agenda.
c. Oversee all Committee budgeting matters.
d. Interact with other WSC Committees and H.A.W.S., Inc.

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 28
e. Prior service of at least one year on a WSC Committee.
f. Initial Chairperson term is 2 years, any subsequent term is one year
g. A chairperson shall serve no more than three terms.
h. The Chairperson is responsible for submitting a quarterly report for their committees, to
H.A.W.S., Inc. member assigned to that committee.

COMMITTEE VICE-CHAIRPERSON
a. Becomes Chairperson and assumes all Chairperson responsibilities for balance of Chair
term in event of Chairperson vacancy.
b. Prior service of at least one year on a WSC Committee.
c. In absence of Chairperson, performs chairperson duties.
d. Serves a one-year term.
e. A vice-chairperson shall serve no more than three terms.
COMMITTEE CO-SECRETARIES
a. Keeps accurate minutes of each meeting of the WSC Committee.

b. General communications throughout the year with the WSC Committee. c. Serves a two-
year term.

CONFERENCE OFFICERS

1 There shall be four Conference Officers: Chairperson, Vice Chairperson-Parliamentarian and two Co-
Secretaries.

2 The term of a Conference Officer shall be for a period of two Conferences. Conference Officers may
be elected to serve a total of three terms for that particular office. Effective at the WSC 2019, the
election of Conference Co-Secretary shall be staggered, with the intent that only one co-secretary
rotates out at each Conference.
3 In the event that a Conference Officer is unable or unwilling to perform his/her duties, the Conference
Committee shall take a vote of confidence. If the outcome of the vote determines that the committee
no longer has confidence, the Conference shall then move to elect a replacement from the
Conference as the first substantive order of business after the vacancy occurs, such replacement to
be elected to a full term. If the replacement Conference Officer is a current Delegate, their vote shall
be given to an Alternate Delegate from that Area, or if there is no Alternate Delegate in attendance,
the vote will be transferred to the Delegate selected by that Area Delegation. Delegates who are the
sole representative from an Area are not eligible for emergency Conference Officer elections.
4 In the event that a Conference Chairperson is unable or unwilling to perform his/her duties, the
Conference Committee shall take a vote of confidence. If the outcome of the vote determines that the
committee no longer has confidence, then the Vice Chairperson Parliamentarian will serve as
Conference Chairperson until a permanent Conference Chairperson can be elected by the
Conference. In the event that a Conference Vice Chairperson is unable or unwilling to serve as
temporary Chairperson, then the most senior Conference Secretary will serve as Conference
Chairperson until a permanent Conference Chairperson can be elected to a full term.
5 Conference Officers and Delegates who are elected Conference Officers shall be reimbursed for their
expenses in the same manner as the Board of Trustees.
6 Qualifications and duties of Conference Officers shall include:
CONFERENCE CHAIRPERSON
Minimum Qualifications:
a. Voting experience at a World Service Conference.
b. 4 years of continuous sobriety.
c. Service oriented background.
d. Willingness to serve.
e. A thorough working knowledge of the Twelve Concepts of Service, Twelve Traditions,
Conference Charter and Bylaws, Conference Standing Rules, Robert’s Rules of Order,

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 29
and Parliamentary Procedure.
f. Previous leadership/chairperson experience.
Recommended Qualifications:
a. Wisdom and patience.
b. Even-tempered and calm.
c. Willingness to let people be wrong.
Description of Duties:
a. Chair the general sessions of the World Service Conference to include:

i. Determine the delegate order for discussion.
ii. Preside over all voting.
iii. Announce the outcome of votes.
iv. Read all motions before presentation on the Floor.
v. Announce the sequence of business to be presented.
vi. Recognize members who are entitled to address the Floor.
vii. Limit or control debate as necessary.
viii. Rule motions out of order when necessary.
ix. Protect the assembly from frivolous motions.
x. Enforce rules relating to debate, order and decorum.
xi. Expedite business while protecting member’s rights.
xii. Decide all questions of order.
xiii. Respond to questions of factual information regarding business.
xiv. Call recesses when necessary.
xv. Adjourn the meeting.

b. Serve as a member of the Conference Committee.
c. Accept and review Delegate Credentials, Proxies, and New Area Petitions.
d. Organize and conduct the New Delegate Orientation.
e. Visit other committees to support committee presentation of motions.
f. Prepare and review the Conference agenda.
g. Review and edit the minutes of previous Conferences.
CONFERENCE VICE CHAIR/PARLIAMENTARIAN
Minimum Qualifications:
a. Voting experience at a World Service Conference.
b. Four-years continuous sobriety.
c. Service oriented background and willingness to serve.
d. A thorough working knowledge of the Twelve Concepts of Service, Twelve Traditions,
Conference Charter and Bylaws, Conference Standing Rules, Robert’s Rules of Order,
and Parliamentary Procedure.
e. Have read the minutes of the two previous Conferences.
f. Have read and understand the World Service Manual.
g. Knowledgeable in parliamentary strategies.
Recommended Qualifications:
a. Wisdom and patience.
b. Even-tempered and calm.
c. Willingness to let people be wrong.
d. Previous experience as a parliamentarian is highly desirable.
e. Ability to gently instruct delegates as to proper procedure.
f. Ability to work closely with the Chairperson.
Description of Duties:

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 30
a. Chair the general sessions of the World Service Conference in the Chairperson’s
absence.
b. Participate in the New Delegate Orientation.
c. Serve as a member of the Conference Committee.
d. Advise the Chairperson in all matters relating to the Twelve Concepts of Service, Twelve
Traditions, Conference Charter and Bylaws, Conference Standing Rules, Robert’s Rules
of Order, Parliamentary Procedure, and relevant previous Conference actions. e.
e. Assist the Chairperson in all matters relating to:
i. Conducting and counting votes.
ii. Points of Order and Points of Information.
iii. Procedure on the Conference Floor.

f. In the event that a Conference Chairperson is unable to perform his/her duties, serve as
Conference Chairperson until a permanent Conference Chairperson can be elected by
the Conference.
g. Vice-Chair/Parliamentarian is to review all subcommittee reports prior to printing and
presenting them on the Conference floor.

CONFERENCE CO-SECRETARIES
Minimum Qualifications:
a. Two-years continuous sobriety.
b. Service oriented background and willingness to serve.
c. Ability to touch-type.
d. Computer literacy including business standard PC, spreadsheets, word processing and
presentation software.

Description of Duties:
a. Serve as a member of the Conference Committee.
b. Jointly produce a record of Conference activities as they occur.
c. Jointly draft a Conference Report.
d. Complete and produce minutes from Conference to be sent to the H.A.W.S., Inc.
Secretary and Conference Committee Chair by no later than 45 days following the close
of Conference.

STANDING RULES FOR THE H.A. WORLD

SERVICE CONFERENCE

1 Only elected Conference Delegates, H.A.W.S., Inc. Members, Regional Trustees, Non-Delegate
Conference Committee Chairpersons, and Alternate Delegates carrying a vote may make motions on
the Conference floor and may vote on all motions and resolutions brought to the Conference floor.
2 Other non-voting individuals may discuss motions on the Conference floor at the discretion of the
Conference Chairperson.
3 Each voting member is responsible for attending all Conference sessions and must be physically
present on the Conference floor to vote. There will be no absentee voting.
4 Conference Delegates who leave, for any reason, after Roll Call for a particular session lose their
vote during their absence. There will be no assumption of votes by their Delegates from the same
Area.
5 Complete names, email addresses, and phone numbers of Conference Delegates and Alternate
Delegates, with the number of votes being carried by each, must be registered prior to the WSC start.
6 If, prior to the WSC, an elected Delegate or elected Alternate Delegate replaces a duly designated
Delegate, pursuant to subparagraph 5(a), a written transfer form shall be submitted to the
Conference Chair by the beginning of the WSC. This form must be filled out by the Chairperson of

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 31
the Delegate’s Area.
7 A Delegate or Alternate Delegate may proxy one vote to another Conference Delegate or Alternate
Delegate from within the same Area or from a neighboring Area. An Area that is otherwise not
represented at the Conference may proxy a maximum of one vote to a Conference Delegate or
Alternate Delegate from another neighboring Area. No Delegate or Alternate Delegate can carry
more than a total of two votes at the Conference.
8 Only elected Delegates or Alternate Delegates registered with the WSO prior to the WSC will be
certified as a Conference Delegate or Alternate Delegate. Reasonable exceptions to the above may
be made, for good cause, by the Conference Chairperson.
9 There may be up to three Conference Sessions (Morning, Afternoon, and Evening) in the Conference
Day. Conference Sessions begin with Roll Call and end with an adjournment.
10 The quorum shall be defined as two-thirds of the Conference votes present at Roll Call, that
particular Conference Session.
11 A quorum must be present for any voting. In the absence of a quorum, the Conference may continue
with Committee Reports, H.A.W.S., Inc. Director Reports and discussion of issues. There will be no
motions (except a Motion to Adjourn) or any item requiring a vote brought to the Conference Floor.
12 All Main Motions will be submitted in electronic format to the Conference Chairperson, using bold
type for added language and strikethrough for removed language, and will become effective at the
end of the WSC, unless otherwise specified.
13 All Main Motions must be presented in the format requested by the Conference Chairperson. The
Conference Floor must be presented with a copy of all main motions.
14 Main Motions shall be read to the Conference before voting. The tally shall be announced for all
counted votes upon request from the Conference floor. Referrals or Items that did not result in
Motions, that are tabled until next year, items that committees will continue working on through the
year, that are referred to other committees or the WSO need not be read into the report, however
questions may be asked about any part of a committee’s report.
15 Any motion made at the Conference which changes the WSC structure or a WSC committee
structure or which has a significant effect upon the WSC, a World Service Committee, the World
Service Manual or H.A. as a whole must be referred to the appropriate committee prior to
consideration.
16 Any material that has a significant effect on the WSC including but not limited to World Service
Convention bids, literature changes, new Area petitions, etc. that is to be reviewed by the Delegates
for possible consideration by the Conference, must be received by the WSO at least 90 days before
the WSC so that all Delegates can receive and review the material prior to the WSC.
17 All voting members arriving after the roll totals and quorum are announced at the end of a Roll Call,
for a particular session, may not vote that session, but may speak and make motions.
PROCESS TO POLL ALL H.A. GROUPS

1. Upon authorization by a 2/3rds vote of the World Service Conference (WSC), the Structure and
Bylaws Committee (S&B) shall prepare a ballot describing any such change to Article 10 of the
Charter or, in the Twelve Traditions of H.A., or in the Twelve Steps of H.A., along with instructions for
Areas and Groups, and present these to the Conference floor prior to the close of Conference in New
Business.
2. Upon Conference approval, the ballot question and all related materials will be distributed by the
HAWS, Inc. Outreach Committee to all groups listed on the H.A. website via email, or other preferred
method.
3. Groups shall return their ballots as per the instructions provided, at least 90 days before the next
Conference.

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 32
4. The Outreach Committee will tally the votes, resolve any ballot defects by contacting the group’s
point of contact, and report the vote totals, along with the estimated Group response rate, to the
WSC S&B Committee. Abstentions received do not affect the percentages for and against but are
reported in the response rate. The Outreach Committee will also include the results in their report at
the following H.A. World Service Conference.
5. Should 3/4ths of the ballots be returned in the affirmative, the question, along with the vote counts
and estimated percentage of Groups responding will be presented by the Structure and Bylaws
Committee (S&B) to the Conference floor in Old Business for final approval. The WSC may, but is not
required to, consider the percentage response rate in its deliberations.
6. A final 2/3rd ratification vote by the WSC causes the change to be put into effect.

REGIONAL TRUSTEES

A trustee is a trusted servant nominated by the areas and elected by the regions, representing the
regional perspective of the fellowship’s group conscience to the world service office board.
“H.A. World Services, Inc. is the chief service arm of the Conference, and is essentially custodial in its
character…Excepting for decisions upon matters of policy, finance, or H.A. Tradition liable to seriously affect H.A. as
a whole, the World Service Office Board has entire freedom of action in the routine conduct of the policy and
business affairs of the H.A. service corporations.” – excerpt from Conference Charter items 12-13
The trustees of Heroin Anonymous are concerned with everything happening inside and outside H.A. that
may affect the health and growth of the movement. However, as the Charter points out, their duties are
essentially custodial. Whenever a decision on movement-wide policy is needed, they turn to the
Conference. And because trustees are members of the Conference body, they participate in these
decisions — but as individual Conference members, not as a group.
Trustees attend the monthly H.A.W.S., Inc. meeting and carry a vote. While trustees are not members of
H.A.W.S., Inc., they participate in the monthly H.A.W.S., Inc. meetings and provide a regional
perspective. Trustees have one vote at the annual conference.
REGIONS
A region is a group of areas that are geographically collocated. Areas inside those geographical
boundaries are encouraged to participate in their region. Names of regions to be ratified by the board of
trustees. Each region will be represented by 1 trustee. **See regions map below
TERM & REQUIREMENTS
a. Four-year term length
b. Suggested sobriety time: 5 years
c. Knowledge of traditions/concepts
d. Service Experience within the H.A. service structure
e. Time commitment to Trustee duties (able to attend in person or virtually H.A.W.S., Inc.
meetings)
f. Should not be a current Delegate.
g. Should not be a current H.A.W.S., Inc. member.
ELECTION PROCEDURE
Areas nominate their pick for Trustee. Regions elect the regional trustee(s) for their region. Conference
ratifies the trustees elected.

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 33

REGIONS MAP

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 34

HEROIN ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICE OFFICE

BOARD (H.A.W.S, Inc.)

H.A.W.S., Inc. is the main contact and distribution point of H.A. Its main purpose is to maintain contact

with members, Groups, Districts and Areas. Contact is sustained through correspondence, newsletters, e-
mail, the website www.heroinanonymous.org and representatives within our service structure.

H.A.W.S., Inc. offers services to:
1 New Groups
2 Existing Groups, with special problems
3 International Groups
4 National Meeting Services
5 Isolated Persons
6 Conventions
7 Conference Committees
H.A.W.S., Inc. acts upon directives from the WSC. Each of the board positions approved by the WSC has
a voice and a vote at the Conference. H.A.W.S., Inc. is subject to and must abide by the Twelve
Traditions.
H.A.W.S., Inc. has volunteer committees that correspond to the WSC committee that service the diverse
needs of H.A.W.S., Inc. and the fellowship as a whole.
H.A.W.S., Inc. shall consist of the following positions:
a. Chairperson
b. Vice Chairperson
c. Secretary
d. Treasurer
e. Heroin Addict and Non-Heroin Addict Advisors
f. Webmaster Chairperson
g. Keytags and Literature Chairperson
h. Hospitals and Institutions Chairperson
i. Public Information Chairperson
j. Outreach Chairperson
k. Mainline Chairperson
Until a Board of Trustees or similar overseeing board structure is created or deemed necessary by the
WSC, the elections for H.A.W.S., Inc. will be executed at H.A.W.S., Inc. monthly meetings when
appropriate. H.A.W.S., Inc. members currently on the board before the first WSC will be
grandfathered in, and any newly elected members will be ratified at the next WSC following their election.
In the time between election and ratification they will act “as if” in their elected position
H.A.W.S., INC., QUALIFICATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
CHAIRPERSON
1 Overall administration and coordination of all H.A.W.S., Inc. activities. 2. Develops
candidates for future openings of H.A.W.S., Inc. and forwards all elected person’s
resumes to the WSC for ratification.
2 Directly responsible for supervising H.A.W.S., Inc. positions; all tasks performed by
H.A.W.S., Inc. should be coordinated through the Chairperson.
3 Chairs H.A.W.S., Inc. meetings.
4 Sets the agenda for H.A.W.S., Inc. meetings.

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 35
5 Sits on a WSC committee.
VICE CHAIRPERSON
1 Assists the Chairperson.
2 Chairs H.A.W.S., Inc. meeting when the chair is not present.
3 Sits on a WSC committee.
4 Administrates the coordination of the Conference with the WSC Conference Committee.
SECRETARY
1 Maintain records of all proceedings of the H.A.W.S., Inc. meetings (minutes).
2 Maintain files of all committee reports.
3 Make minutes and records available to H.A.W.S., Inc. and Delegates.
4 Maintain record books in which the bylaws, special rules of order, standing rules, and
minutes are entered with any amendments to these documents properly recorded and
have the record books on hand at every meeting.
5 Provide the Chairperson with minutes of the precious H.A.W.S., Inc. meeting at least 2
days prior to the next scheduled meeting, in order that the Chairperson can prepare an
agenda.
6 In the absence of the chairperson and the vice-chairperson, call the meeting to order and
preside until the immediate election of a Chairperson.
7 Sits on a WSC committee.
TREASURER
1 Should have prior Area or District service committee Treasurer experience or
professional experience in the fields of finance or accounting.
2 Responsible for supervising all financial matters at H.A.W.S., Inc. including:
a. Accounts Payable
b. Accounts Receivable
c. All bank accounts
d. Coordinates negotiations with vendors
e. Contacts outside accounting firms
f. Supervises all tax filings
3 Chairperson of the H.A.W.S., Inc. Finance/Spending Committee.
4 Supervises policies regarding financial matters.
5 Will prepare annual financial statements for H.A.W.S., Inc. in time to be distributed at the
WSC. In addition, prepare any additional reports or explanations to describe noteworthy
changes or trends in the financial condition of H.A.W.S.
6 Sits on the WSC Finance Committee.
WEBMASTER
1 Schedules monthly committee meetings.
2 Gives a report to the monthly H.A.W.S., Inc. meeting.
3 Ensures all committee members are adequately performing their commitment in a timely
fashion.
4 Makes site design and content updates.
5 Monitors the H.A.W.S. Webmaster email (hawswebmaster@gmail.com), replying to all
emails in a timely manner.
6 Periodically (approximately twice a month) explores all functionality of the H.A.W.S.
website and repair problems as needed.
7 Sits on the WSC IT Committee.
KEYTAGS AND LITERATURE
1 Facilitate the shipping of all online keytag/pamphlet orders.
2 Create and ship all meeting startup kits to new meetings requesting them.
3 Follow up with startup kit recipients.

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 36
4 Order keytags and pamphlets as necessary, as to stay in stock of every item.
5 Sits on the WSC Literature, Keytags, and Formats Committee.
AT LARGE VOTING MEMBER
1 Attend all H.A.W.S., Inc. meetings and be informed of all matters regarding the H.A.W.S.,
Inc.
2 Fill in for ad-hoc committees when needed.
3 Sits on a WSC Committee.

HEROIN ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICE

CONFERENCE CHARTER

1. Purpose: The World Service Conference of Heroin Anonymous is the guardian of the world
services and of the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts of Heroin
Anonymous. The Conference shall be a service body only, never a government for Heroin
Anonymous.
2. Composition of World Service Conference: The World Service Conference shall be
composed of Area Delegates, WSC Officers, Members of H.A.W.S., Inc., Regional Trustees,
Staff Members of H.AW.S., Inc., and any other members of the Fellowship of H.A. who wish
to attend.
3. Conference Relation to H.A.: The WSC will act for H.A. in the perpetuation and guidance of
its world services, and it will also be the vehicle by which the H.A. movement can express its
view upon all matters of vital H.A. policy and all hazardous deviations from H.A. Tradition.
Delegates should be free to vote as their conscience dictates; they should also be free to
decide what questions should be taken to the Group level, whether for information,
discussion, or their own direct instruction.
4. No change in Article 10 of the Charter or, in the Twelve Traditions of H.A., or in the Twelve
Steps of H.A. may be made with less than the written consent of three-quarters of the H.A.
Groups. In these instances, the following process is to be followed to receive written
consent. Within 90 days following conference, the outreach committee, at H.A.W.S., Inc., is
to reach out to all groups listed on the H.A. website via email, or other preferred method, with
the proposed motion for their vote of yay, nay, or abstention. Written responses are due at
least 90 days before the next conference. The outreach committee then tallies the votes of
all responding groups and will submit the results in their report at the following H.A. World
Service Conference.
5. Conference relation to H.AW.S., Inc. and Fellowship: It will be understood, as a matter of
tradition, that a two-thirds vote of a Conference quorum shall be considered binding upon
H.AW.S., Inc. and its related corporate services. A quorum shall consist of two-thirds of all
the voting Conference members registered and present.
6. No such vote ought to impair the legal rights of H.AW.S., Inc. and the service corporation to
conduct routine business and make ordinary contracts relating thereto.
7. It will be further understood, regardless of the legal prerogatives of H.AW.S., Inc., as a
matter of the 12 traditions, a three-quarters vote of all the voting Conference members
registered and present may bring about a reorganization of H.AW.S., Inc., its Directors and
staff members of its corporate services, if or when such reorganization is deemed essential.
The term “reorganization” shall mean the removal of one or more H.A.W.S., Inc. directors or
corporate members.
8. Under such a proceeding, the WSC may:

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 37

a. Request resignations of H.AW.S., Inc. members
b. Remove members of H.AW.S., Inc.
c. Nominate new H.AW.S., Inc. members
d. Make all other necessary arrangements, regardless of the legal prerogatives of
H.AW.S., Inc.

9. Area Delegate Elections: Area Delegate Elections are held by Area service committee
meetings or assemblies composed of elected General Service Representatives of all H.A.
Groups desiring to participate, District Officers, Area Officers, Service Committee
Chairpersons, and other members who are involved in H.A. service. Area Delegate elections
may be held as needed, up to 120 days prior to the next World Service Conference.
10. Term of Office of Delegates: The Area Delegates are to be elected for a term of four (4)
Conferences. It is suggested that the spirit of rotation be followed.
11. Annual Meeting: The Conference will meet at least once a year unless otherwise agreed
upon by voting Conference members. Special meetings may be called as necessary by
voting Conference members. The Conference may also render advisory opinions at any time
by e-mail or telephone poll in aid of H.AW.S., Inc. or its related services.
12. Heroin Anonymous World Services, Inc. Composition, Jurisdiction and Responsibilities:
H.AW.S., Inc. shall be an incorporated nonprofit entity, composed of heroin addicts, Other 12
step addicts/alcoholics and non-addict/alcoholics, whose successors are elected by Heroin
Anonymous World Services, Inc. and ratified by the World Service Conference. Heroin
Anonymous World Services, Inc. is the chief service arm of the Conference and is essentially
custodial in its character.
13. Except for decisions upon matters of policy, finance, or H.A. Tradition, liable seriously to
affect H.A. as a whole, H.A.W.S., Inc. has entire freedom of action in the routine conduct of
the policy and business affairs of the H.A. service corporations and may name suitable
committees and elect Directors to its subsidiary corporate service entities in pursuance of
this purpose
14. Except in great emergency, neither the World Service Office Board nor any of its related
services ought ever to take any action liable greatly to affect H.A. as a whole without first in
pursuance of this purpose.
15. The World Service Conference: Its General Procedures: The Conference will hear the
financial and policy reports of the World Service Office Board and its related corporate
services. The Conference will advise H.A.W.S., Inc. and staff members upon all matters
presented as affecting H.A. as a whole, engage in debate, appoint necessary committees,
and pass suitable resolutions by a two-thirds majority of voting members present for the
advice or direction of the World Service Office Board and its related services.
16. The World Service Conference Charter, the Bylaws of Heroin Anonymous World Services
Inc., and the World Service Conference Standing Rules, or any amendments thereto, should
always be subject to the approval of the World Service Conference by a two-thirds vote of all
its voting Conference members present.
17. The Conference may also discuss and recommend appropriate action respecting serious
deviations from H.A. Tradition or harmful misuse of the name “Heroin Anonymous”
18. The Conference may draft any needed Bylaws and will name its own officers and
committees by any method of its own choosing.
19. The Conference, at the close of each yearly session, will draft a report of its proceedings, to
be supplied to all Delegates and committee members; and also a condensation thereof,
which will be sent to H.A. Areas throughout the world.
20. General Warranties of the Conference: In all its proceedings, the World Service Conference

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 38
shall observe the spirit of the H.A. Tradition, taking great care that the Conference never
becomes the seat of perilous wealth or power; that sufficient operating funds, plus an ample
reserve, be its prudent financial principle; that none of the Conference members shall ever
be placed in a position of unqualified authority over any of the others; that all important
decisions be reached by discussion, vote, and whenever possible, by substantial unanimity
(2⁄3 vote); that no Conference action ever be personally punitive or an incitement to public
controversy; that though the Conference may act for the service of Heroin Anonymous which
perform any acts of government; and that, like the Fellowship of Heroin Anonymous which it
serves, the Conference itself will always remain democratic in thought and action.
BYLAWS OF HEROIN ANONYMOUS WORLD

SERVICES, INC.

Article I- Name
The officers of the Board of Directors shall serve under the name Heroin Anonymous World Services, Inc. or
H.A.W.S., Inc.

Article II- Purpose
The primary purpose of H.A.W.S., Inc. is to carry the message of Heroin Anonymous to the suffering heroin
addict in order to support a drug-free lifestyle. Its activities may include, among others:
A. The maintenance of a central body to act as a clearinghouse for H.A.
B. To assist in providing H.A. contacts.
C. To be of general help in the development of the H.A. program.
D. To provide literature and offer guidance to all member groups.
E. To allow all member groups to be autonomous in their matters.
F. To practice the 12 Traditions and the 12 Concepts in all of its affairs.
Article III- Location
H.A.W.S., Inc. will reside in Maricopa County, Phoenix, Arizona. All correspondence will be directed to 5025
N. Central Ave. #587, Phoenix, Arizona, 85012 or hawssecretary@heroinanonymous.org.

Article IV- Board of Directors Membership
Members of the board of directors may consist of:
A. Abstinent heroin addicts of the Heroin Anonymous Program.
B. Abstinent members of another 12 Step Program.
C. Non-addicts/alcoholics who are committed to helping heroin addicts to achieve abstinence and possess
adequate knowledge about addiction to mood altering substances.

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 39
Article V- Board of Directors Operations
A. Board role, size, and compensation:
The Board’s main function is to serve the Fellowship of Heroin Anonymous. It is a body created to maintain
services to those that seek help from Heroin Anonymous. The Board shall have up to seventeen (17) and no
fewer than five (5) members. Board members shall be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses, long
distance telephone, and postage and copying expenses incurred in the performance of their position. The
Board may or may not review and reimburse a Board member who, without prior authorization of the Board,
incurs other expenses in the performance of their position.
B. Meetings:
The Board shall meet as needed, at an agreed upon time and place. The meetings will follow Robert’s Rules
of Order.
C. Attendance at Board meetings:
• The H.A.W.S., Inc. board meeting is a closed business meeting, attendance is limited to board
officers and liaisons, or their proxies referenced under article VI.
• Non-board members may attend for a relevant and specific purpose when invited by a current
board member, non-board attendees should be allowed to address their purpose as soon as possible
in the course of the agenda preferably before the reading of the minutes or at the Chairperson’s
discretion and will be excused from the meeting after their item is addressed.
• Non-board members and proxies are expected to abide by all applicable attendance guidelines
outlined in items D and E of article VI.
D. Board Elections:
Officers will be elected by a majority vote of the current officers. Elections of new officers to a second term
will occur as the first item of business at the appointed Board of Directors meeting. Any newly elected board
members will begin their term at the time of election but will be up for ratification at the following World
Service Conference.
E. Board Committee Creation:
The Board may create committees as needed. With the exception of the Finance Committee, all committee
Chairs will be elected by a majority vote of said committees. Once elected, the chairperson of any new
committee must draft a list of responsibilities, expectations and duties defining their position, to be added to
this document.
F. Executive Committee:
The five board members (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Advisor) serve as the members of the
Executive Committee. Except for the power to amend the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, the Executive
Committee shall have all of the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the intervals between
meetings of the Board of Directors if deemed necessary.
G. Finance Committee:
The Treasurer is the chair of the Finance Committee, which should include three (3) other Board members.
The Finance Committee is responsible for developing and reviewing fiscal procedures, a fundraising plan,
and annual budget with staff and other Board members. The Board must approve the budget, and all
expenditures must be within the budget. The Board or the Executive Committee must approve any major

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 40
change in the budget. The fiscal year shall be the calendar year. Annual reports are required to be submitted
to the Board showing income, expenditures and pending income. The financial records of the organization
are public information and shall be made available to the public by posting them on the H.A. Web Site. The
finance committee will review all contracts for events before submission.
Article VI- Officers and Terms
A. Officers and terms:
The officers of the Board consist of the Chairperson, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Keytags and
Literature Committee Chairperson and Advisor. Other voting positions consist of various other chairpersons
and the at large voting board members; and shall not take any action individually that is not in accordance
with our 12 Traditions and 12 Concepts. The suggested sobriety for a 12-step member to be eligible for any
of the Board positions, with the exception of the Treasurer, is at least two (2) years of continuous abstinence.
The suggested sobriety for Treasurer is at least five (5) years of continuous abstinence.
1. Chairperson (Voting)
2. Vice-Chairperson (Voting)
3. Treasurer (Voting)
4. Vice Treasurer (Voting)
5. Secretary (Voting)
6. Heroin Addict and Non-Heroin Addict Advisors (Voting)
7. Keytags, Literature and Merchandise Committee Chairperson (Voting)
8. At Large Voting Board Member (Voting)
9. Structure and Bylaws Chairperson (Non-voting)
10. Webmaster Chairperson (Voting)
11. Public Information Chairperson (Voting)
12. Outreach Chairperson (Voting)
13. World Convention Liaison (Non-Voting)
14. Conference Committee Liaison (Non-Voting)
15. Mainline Chairperson (Voting)
16. Intellectual Property Chairperson (Non-Voting)

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 41
17. Hospitals and Institutions Chairperson (Voting)
B. Officer Handbook:
This is a guidebook containing duties and further information about tasks performed and expected from
Board members, it requires a 2/3 vote of present Board members to be altered.

C. Vacancies:
In the event of a vacancy, the Board may receive nominations for new members from the present Board and
Heroin Anonymous members at least two (2) weeks in advance of a Board meeting. These nominations will
be sent out to Board members and will be voted upon at the next Board meeting. These vacancies will be
filled only to the end of the particular Board member’s term. All Board vacancies will be communicated to the
fellowship of H.A. as a whole. {If a member is elected to fill a partial term, the time served would not preclude
them from serving two (2) consecutive full terms.
D. Resignation, Termination and Absences:
Voluntary resignations from the Board must be in writing and received by the Secretary. A Board member
can be considered for dismissal after for missing two (2) consecutive board meetings or three (3) total in any
rolling 12-month period. Attendance will be recorded at the beginning and end of meeting by the Secretary.
Partial attendance will result in a notation on the record, and 3 partial notations will result in one full absence.
The Personnel committee will contact any board member who is (1) absence away from possible dismissal,
to secure re-commitment and offer assistance. A Board member may be removed for any issues which may
be deemed detrimental to the common welfare of Heroin Anonymous. Removal of an existing board
member requires a 2/3 vote of the full board.
E. Proxy Voting, Reporting, and Presence:
In the event that a member of the World Service Board committee is unable to attend the monthly meeting,
they are expected to notify the rest of the committee in advance as outlines in Section 7. A report should still
be given in their absence. There is an option to send an individual as a proxy in place of being marked
absent. The proxy should be a member of said committee and be able to give a thorough report and answer
questions relating to the committee as requested by the board. The proxied representative will carry the vote
(if necessary) of the absent chair. At a minimum, the absent member should provide a written (e-mailed)
report from their committee. Although written report and proxy alternatives may be used, excess absence will
be addressed by the committee as outlined in Section 7 of this document. As our fellowship has grown,
many of the World Service Board committee members reside in states and cities other than where the World
Service Board committee’s monthly meeting is held. When an out-of-town member is participating in the
World Service Board, they are expected to Video Chat into the
meeting, giving their entire attention to the meeting. It is important for the member to be visually seen so they
can participate in the discussion and their presence can be felt. Although there is also an option to call in,
this is strongly discouraged, and lack of participation may be discussed as a matter of concern.

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 42
F. Communication:
All internal and external communication related to H.A.W.S., Inc. business will utilize approved and provided
organization resources such as “.org” emails and google meets video and text chats. If members wish to use
personal means to communicate, or have an outside/existing friendship, this is permissible as long as both
parties are in
agreement with the method being used.
G. Information Sharing:
All attendees of the H.A.W.S., Inc. Board meeting are strictly forbidden from sharing or reporting any
information, business, or discussions until official minutes are approved. Only information from approved
minutes shall be shared outside of the H.A.W.S., Inc. Board meetings. Exceptions from this policy may be
entertained and approved on a case-by-case basis by the H.A.W.S., Inc. Chairperson. Committees of the
Board that require a more fluid pre-approved information sharing policy may submit a policy request to the

board. *Chairperson should give verbal reminder of this guideline during meetings in which non-
board attendees or proxies are present

H. Terms:
Each Board member shall serve a four (4) year term. Existing board members can be elected for a

consecutive four (4) year term if elected to a different position. Past board members will be eligible for re-
election after being absent from the Board for four (4) years. It should be noted that there is a lifetime cap of

ten years service to the Board, which supersedes all other arrangements.

I. Personnel Committee:
Purpose: The H.A.W.S., Inc. Board is undergoing an unprecedented period of growth. As we grow, our
responsibility to provide and ensure the best possible people are serving our fellowship increases as well. In
the spirit of concept Nine “Good service leaders, together with sound and appropriate methods of choosing
them, are at all levels indispensable for our future functioning and safety”

Description and Duties: Personnel Committee exists to evaluate, vet, and interview new applicants to the
board before making a recommendation and report to the body for formal approval. The committee meets as
needed to review applicants, discuss resumes, contact references, and make a recommendation to the
board to accept or decline the applicant. The Personnel Committee will periodically review attendance and
conduct as laid out in the bylaws. The Personnel Committee is also responsible to draft a policy solidifying
the application and approval process for the H.A.W.S., Inc. Board. This committee will provide any
applicable onboarding, orientation, or training to the new Board members.
Composition and Roles of Personnel Committee:

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 43
 Personnel Chair: Is an existing and voting Board member, facilitates meeting and discusses
candidates, sharing insight and experience, presents recommendation to board and informs applicant
of outcome. Aids in reviewing conduct and attendance.

 HAWS Secretary: gathers resumes and references, works with the Chair to coordinate committee
meetings when applicants arise. Prepares report for HAWS Board, discusses candidate sharing
insight and experience. Aids in reviewing attendance and conduct.
 HAWS Non-Heroin Addict Advisor OR Heroin Addict Advisor: discusses candidate sharing
insight and experience, contacts references. Aids in reviewing attendance and conduct.
 Voting Members of the HAWS Board: discusses candidate sharing insight and experience. Aids in
reviewing conduct and attendance, these members can be appointed by existing Personnel
committee to allow for a fully staffed, competent and diverse committee.
Guidelines for H.A.W.S., Inc. Board Member Conduct:
• Maintaining attendance and contact with assigned HAWSC committee, sits with, and supports
committee at Conference.
• Has public image which avoids placing H.A. at risk of public controversy, or outside affiliation.
• Meets requirements of position as laid out in H.A.W.S., Inc. Officer Handbook
• Participates in H.A.W.S., Inc. Board meetings by sharing, giving reports, voting, etc., Has camera
on if possible.
• Communicates in a respectful manner while conducting H.A.W.S., Inc. business, Following
acceptable norms of behavior, suggested guidelines and dress codes in given settings throughout
the year and at Conference. • If a Board member’s conduct has come under review by the Personnel
committee, they can bring a motion for dismissal to the H.A.W.S., Inc. Board after an internal vote
securing a simple majority.
Dress Code (for H.A.W.S., Inc. Board):
Dress and Grooming at Conference
Although we recognize that each attendees’ manner of dress is a manifestation of personal style and
individual preference, we believe that the mission of Heroin Anonymous will be enhanced if attendees dress
appropriately to maintain an environment conducive to business. Dress and grooming shall not be contrary
to our fellowship’s goals and/or objectives and shall not interfere with the business process or create
disorder.
• Please consider representing Heroin Anonymous in a professional manner when dressing for the
conference.
• Clothing that creates disruption, depicts violence, illegal items, is sexual in nature, or displays
obscene or offensive language or symbols is not allowed.
• Dress and grooming that prevent the attendee from doing work because of blocked vision or
restricted movement are discouraged.
• Shoes must be worn at all times.

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• The body shall be adequately covered. Clothing shall not expose the chest, abdomen, back or
buttocks area, and shall be sufficient to conceal undergarments at all times.
If an attendee has a question regarding whether an item of clothing, accessory, or hairstyle or color may
violate these expectations, they are to contact a member of The H.A.W.S. Personnel Committee or send an
inquiry to the personnel committee via email at hawssecretary@heroinanonymous.org.
J. H.A.W.S Paid Contractor
Key Responsibilities
1. Responsible for managing clmstaff@heroinanonymous.org at least once a week.
2. Completes the process of packing weekly orders of keytags and literature, printing shipping labels, and
mailing the packages to their respective destinations.
3. Manages spreadsheets and accounts with vendors.
4. Responsible for placing orders with vendors.
6. Responsible for maintaining a reserve of merchandise sufficient to meet the demand of the

fellowship.

7. Responsible for informing H.A.W.S., Inc. CLM Chair of shipping and administrative

supplies to be ordered.

8. Aids H.A.W.S., Inc. CLM Chair in tracking orders that are missing or troubleshooting other customer
service issues.
9. Checks H.A.W.S., Inc. PO box regularly.
10. Responsible for compiling and providing quarterly inventory report to the H.A.W.S., Inc. CLM Chair and
H.A.W.S., Inc. Treasurer.
11. Stores and maintains the H.A.W.S., Inc. physical archives and coordinates with World Convention
Committees to send archives to be displayed at said events.
Skills and Competencies
• Familiarity with customer service and support processes, systems, and best practices
• Skilled in google suite, word processor and Excel
• Skilled in shipping and receiving processes
• Prompt and reliable communication
• High speed internet access
Qualifications
 Base knowledge and experience with Heroin Anonymous and our 12 traditions
 If member of recovery fellowship, two years of continuous sobriety
 Availability to work part time 5-10 hours per week
Pay Rate

Heroin Anonymous World Service Manual 45
• As of 12/10/23 the pay rate is $100-200/week
• The contractor shall receive a performance review annually, and if warranted, a merit-based raise
can be approved pending review by Personnel Committee, CLM Chair, Finance Committee and vote
by the H.A.W.S., Inc. Board
• Starting pay and yearly salary caps are subject to negotiation and approval based on H.A.W.S., Inc.
budgetary constraints
• This is a 1099 Subcontractor Position
Article VII – Amendments
• These Bylaws may be amended, when necessary, by a 2/3-majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Proposed amendments must be submitted to the Secretary and are to be sent out with regular Board
announcements.
• These Bylaws were originally approved at a meeting of the Board of Directors of Heroin Anonymous
on March 19, 2005.
Article VIII – Relationship with Conference and Convention Planning Committees
A. Authority:
While the fellowship of Heroin Anonymous as a whole, represented by the HAWS Conference has final
authority in world service matters, the Board is expected to make
decisions of over-all policy and finance in these entities between conferences. This measure in accordance
with Concept Eight is to ensure our primary purpose is upheld and carried out when the conference is not in
session. Furthermore, the Board assumes legal and financial responsibility for the HAWS Conference and
Convention and must be willing to make sound decisions on these matters while always keeping the wishes
of their planning committees in mind. Therefore, the Heroin Anonymous World Services Office Board
maintains the decision-making power on matters of budget, cancellation, postponement, legal and
contractual obligations in these events.
B. Communication:
The Board will maintain communication with these committees via liaisons outlined in article VI. The Board
will take extra care to provide timely guidance on decisions related to budget, cancellation, postponement,
legal and contractual obligations in these events.
C. Support:
The Board will do everything possible to provide the committees and their liaisons with all necessary
resources to carry out these events and upholding our primary purpose. This may include but is not limited
to:
• Financial support
• Board members attending event planning committee meetings to offer guidance and expertise
when invited
• Holding extra Board meetings to provide time sensitive decisions

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• Communication with the fellowship as a whole to gather information and provide updates on behalf
of these committees
Article IX- Financial and Other Legal Documents

Heroin Anonymous World Services, Inc.
-Document Retention and Destruction Policy

H.A.W.S., Inc. is committed to maintaining a high standard of ethical business practice, therefore board
members are required to adhere to the following policy regarding the handling of certain documents.
Document Destruction
The Document Retention and Destruction Policy outlines the record retention responsibilities of H.A.W.S.,
Inc., board members are required to honor the following rules:
1. Paper or electronic documents indicated under the terms for retention in the following section will be
transferred and maintained by H.A.W.S., Inc. Secretary.
2. All other paper documents will be destroyed after three years.
3. All other electronic documents will be deleted from all individual computers, data bases, networks, and
back-up storage after one year.
4. Paper or electronic documents will not be destroyed or deleted if pertinent to any ongoing or anticipated
legal issues.

Record Retention
The following table indicates the retention periods for various types of documents H.A.W.S., Inc. may
handle:
Type of Document Minimum Requirement
Accounts payable ledgers and schedules 7 years
Audit reports Permanently
Bank reconciliations 2 years
Bank statements 3 years
Checks (for important payments and purchases) Permanently
Contracts, mortgages, notes, and leases (expired) 7 years
Contracts (still in effect) Contract Period
Correspondence (general) 2 years
Correspondence (legal and important matters) Permanently
Correspondence (with customers and vendors) 2 years
Deeds, mortgages, and bills of sale Permanently
Depreciation schedules Permanently
Duplicate deposit slips 2 years
Employment applications 3 years
Expense analyses/expense distribution schedules 7 years

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Year-end financial statements Permanently
Insurance records, current accident reports, claims, policies, and so on (active
and expired)

Permanently
Internal audit reports 3 years
Inventory records for products, materials, and supplies 3 years
Invoices (to customers, from vendors) 7 years
Minutes, bylaws, and charter Permanently
Patents and related papers Permanently
Payroll records and summaries 7 years
Personnel files (terminated employees) 7 years
Retirement and pension records Permanently
Tax returns and worksheets Permanently
Timesheets 7 years
Trademark registrations and copyrights Permanently
Withholding tax statements 7 years

Heroin Anonymous World Services, Inc.
-Conflict of Interest Policy

H.A.W.S., Inc. is committed to maintaining a high standard of ethical business practice, therefore board
members are required to disclose all possible conflicts of interest that may interfere with our activities or
hinder impartial decision making.
Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest can be any scenario wherein a board member’s personal, business or social life could
intersect with or be affected by H.A.W.S., Inc. activities. These conflicts can seriously hinder a board
member’s ability to make balanced decisions and must be accounted for and disclosed.
Disclosure
All H.A.W.S., Inc. board members are responsible to disclose existing and new conflicts of interest. All
conflicts of interest must be submitted to the Chairperson in writing and announced to the board if issue of
conflict becomes relevant. In addition to giving written notice to the Chairperson, board members
experiencing a conflict of interest should avoid the following actions:
1. Participating in discussion or debates related to the issue of conflict, except when providing
information or answering questions.
2. Making motions related to issue of conflict.
3. Voting on business related to issue of conflict.
Business the H.A.W.S., Inc. board may vote to exclude a member with a conflict of interest from any portion
of business proceedings where said issue is being discussed. Board members with conflicts shall be
counted in determining the existence of a quorum at any meeting in which the subject of the conflict is
discussed. The minutes of the meeting shall reflect the individual’s disclosure, the vote, and the individual’s
abstention from participation and voting.

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Heroin Anonymous World Services, Inc.
-Whistleblower Protection Policy

H.A.W.S., Inc. is committed to maintaining a high standard of ethical business practice, therefore board
members are required to report misconduct and inappropriate actions while defending those who bring these
issues to light.
Reporting Responsibility
The goal of this policy is to encourage board members to internally report misconduct and actions so as to
contribute to a healthy and ethical organization. Board members are required to report any misconduct or
action that is outside of current operational policy or law to the board whenever they occur.
No Retaliation
H.A.W.S., Inc. is committed to protecting whistleblowers, it is against our values to retaliate or otherwise take
hostile action towards any board member who reports misconduct or inappropriate actions. Retaliatory
actions may be grounds for dismissal from the board.
Reporting Procedure
If a board member notices or suspects misconduct or inappropriate action, they should report this concern to
the chairperson immediately. The chairperson is responsible to submit all concerns to the structures and
bylaws chair (functioning as compliance officer) for investigation and further action.
Structures and Bylaws Chairperson (Compliance officer)
The H.A.W.S., Inc. Structures and Bylaws Chairperson will function as the Compliance Officer for our
organization. The S&B Chair is responsible for receiving written concerns from the chairperson, notifying and
interviewing the complainant, investigating alleged misconduct and reporting such instances to the board.
Financial Concerns
When an issue regarding finance is reported, the S&B Chair will notify the Treasurer immediately and involve
them in the investigation and report to the board.
Acting in Good Faith
Any board member reporting an incident of misconduct or inappropriate action must have grounds and
provide valid evidence or reasoning for their concern. Any reports made falsely or with malicious intent will
be taken as a serious offense and may be grounds for dismissal from the board.
Confidentiality
All reported concerns will be kept confidential until investigation is complete and a report is made to the
board, this is to ensure an effective investigation. The anonymity of any board member reporting misconduct
or inappropriate action will be held indefinitely.

WSC PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE GUIDELINES

(Adapted From Robert’s Rules of Order)

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The purpose of parliamentary procedure is … “to permit a majority to accomplish its ultimate purpose within
a reasonable period of time but only after allowing the minority reasonable opportunity to express its views
on the question at issue.” – Lehr Fess, Former Parliamentarian, U.S. House of Representatives
This brief summary of parliamentary procedure, drawn largely from Robert’s Rules of Order, was
prepared for use at the World Service Conference. The Conference believes that it may also be of use to
Areas and Districts. Please use it in the spirit that it is intended; to aid in the orderly conduct of business
meetings. It does not replace or take precedence over a charter, bylaws, standing rules, or the principles
upon which the traditions, the steps and the Twelve Concepts for Service are based.
A potential exists for one or more people to use parliamentary procedure to control and/or otherwise
manipulate a group away from its intention. Scrupulous and incessant attention to principle is the only
way to prevent these guidelines for business meetings from being used to circumvent or unjustly
influence the Group Conscience.
RECOGNITION
A member desiring to speak or make a motion shall raise their hand until recognized by the Chairperson.
For motions not requiring recognition, the member must stand and speak, interrupting the current
speaker. The ONLY motions where this is in order are:
1 The Motion to Reconsider;
2 Objection to Consideration;
3 Appeal from Decision,
4 To Rise to a Point of Order; and
5 Parliamentary Inquiry.
MAIN MOTIONS
A Main Motion is any motion that brings business before the Conference. Main Motions must be seconded,
are debatable, and require a majority vote for adoption. Main Motions should be simply worded and not
include arguments for their adoption. Complicated or long motions may be divided by a Motion to Divide so
that portions of the Main Motion may be debated and voted upon separately.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT
The offering and acceptance of “friendly” amendments is a regular practice on the Conference floor.
Speakers are permitted to suggest changes to the wording, grammar, punctuation or minor changes in
the content of Main Motions. As practiced by the Conference, if accepted by the maker of the Main
Motion, and there are no objections from the floor, the changes are added to the Main Motion without a
separate vote. If there is an objection, a Motion to Amend may be made.
AMEND
Main Motions and the Motions to Limit Debate and Refer to Committee may be amended. Motions to
Amend must be seconded, are debatable, and require a majority vote for their adoption. Amendments to
amendments are permitted but an amendment to an amendment may not be amended.
LAY ON THE TABLE
A motion that is tabled may not be taken from the table the same day. “Tabling” therefore has the effect of
postponing action on the motion in question. The Motion to Table requires a second, but is not debatable.
It requires a majority vote to Table.
REFER TO COMMITTEE
Motions may require the attention of a standing committee (which always exists) or an ad hoc committee
(created for a special purpose). The Motion to Refer must be seconded, is debatable and requires a
majority to adopt. A motion “referred to committee” may be renewed on the floor after review by the
committee.

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CLOSE (OR LIMIT) DEBATE
Otherwise known as “Calling the Question,” the motion to Close Debate and vote immediately on the
Main Question requires a second, is not debatable and requires a 2/3rds majority to pass. The Motion to
Limit Debate to, for example, 20 minutes, applies only to the Main Motion being considered and requires
a 2/3rds majority.
WITHDRAW THE CURRENT MOTION
A member making a motion may decide, after it has been seconded that they wish to withdraw the
motion. The Chairperson will ask for objections. If there are any, the Chair will call for a vote on whether
to allow the motion to be withdrawn. The Withdraw Motion is not debatable and requires a majority of
those voting for adoption.
RECONSIDER
A Motion to Reconsider a previous vote, if successful, returns the previous motion to the floor as if no
vote had ever been taken, and debate begins anew. The motion to Reconsider may only be made and
seconded by members who voted with the prevailing side. The Motion to Reconsider must be made on
the same day as the motion being reconsidered. It is debatable, if the motion to which it applies was
debatable. Adoption of a motion to Reconsider requires a simple majority vote. No motion may be twice
reconsidered.
RESCIND (PASSED MOTION)
The Motion to Rescind, unlike the Motion to Reconsider, overturns the passage of the previous motion. If
the Motion to Rescind succeeds, the affected motion (which previously passed) now fails. Any member
may make or second a Motion to Rescind, and it may apply to any motion passed at any time during the
Conference. It requires a second and is debatable. It requires a 2/3 vote, to pass unless at least one day’s
notice is given of the attempt to rescind. If previous notice is given, only a simple majority is required to
adopt.
SUSPEND THE RULES
This Motion must be qualified by stating why the rules should be suspended, i.e. to consider a motion out
of order of the agenda or accepted procedure. Suspending the rules may not be used to bypass the
charter or bylaws but may be used to suspend the effect of standing rules or previous motions only when
passed by a 2/3rds majority. “Simple” suspensions, which are used to consider a motion out of its order in
the agenda, require a simple majority. Neither motion is debatable; both require a second and are in
effect only until the reason for suspension is resolved.
EXAMPLE: I move to suspend the rules to elect a new Conference Committee Chairperson before taking
action on the Conference Committee’s recommendations. (Requires simple majority)
EXAMPLE: I move we suspend Standing Rule #11 to allow a motion to be displayed using an overhead
projector. (Requires 2/3 majority)
OBJECTION TO CONSIDERATION
Occasionally, a ridiculous, offensive, or repugnant motion is made by an obstreperous member to insult
or otherwise waste the Conference’s time. A member may rise without being recognized, saying, and
“Madame /Mr. Chairperson, I object to the consideration of this motion.” This motion requires no second
and is not debatable. The Chairperson must immediately call for a vote. If more than one third vote for the
consideration of the motion, the objection is overruled.
APPEAL FROM DECISION
Any decision by the Chairperson (or Parliamentarian) may be appealed. The appeal is debatable only if
the challenged decision refers to a debatable motion. The appeal requires a second and a majority vote
reverses the decision of the Chair. All appeals must be made immediately after the decision in question.

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REQUESTS AND INQUIRIES
1 Parliamentary Inquiry- A member who has a question regarding parliamentary procedures, rules of
order, and items in the World Service Manual or parliamentary strategies may make a parliamentary
inquiry of the chair. Without being recognized by the chair, a member may rise saying “Madame/Mr.
Chairperson, I have a parliamentary inquiry”. The question must be related to the business at hand
and asks for the opinion of the chair. It is not a ruling of the chair and cannot be appealed. If a motion
is made despite the chair’s opinion, and the chair then rules the motion out of order, that ruling may
be appealed.
2 Point of Order- A member who feels that the parliamentary procedure is out of order may rise saying
“Madame/Mr. Chairperson, I rise to a point of order!”. When the chairperson asks for his/her point,
(s)he states where a motion is out of order, where a parliamentary procedure is incorrect, where a
proposed motion violates the charter, a previously enacted bylaw, a standing rule or a motion. The
Chairperson immediately rules on the validity of the point, subject only to appeals.
3 Point of Information- A “Point of Information” is a request for information about a motion or the
suspected impact of a motion being considered.
MOTION TO ADJOURN (RECESS)
The Motion to Adjourn is debatable only when there are no other motions before the Conference. It is in
order only when the time for the next meeting has been determined. To adjourn for a short period
(Recess), the motion to Recess may be made. The duration of the Recess is required in the motion. It is
advisable that the reason for the Recess be stated.
EXAMPLE: I move that we recess until 1 PM for lunch.
EXAMPLE: I move that we recess for 15 minutes to get coffee.
QUORUM
A quorum shall be defined as 2/3 of the Conference votes present at Roll Call for that particular
Conference Session. The membership of the Conference shall be determined by a call of the roll at the
first regularly scheduled session of each Conference day. It is the Chairperson’s responsibility to verify
that a quorum is present whenever there is a vote on any motion. A member doubtful of the quorum may
rise to a Point of Order by saying, “I question the quorum” or “I challenge the quorum.” Rules and
precedence are the same as for Rise to a Point of Order. NOTE: A quorum is not necessary for
discussion, debate, or committee reports.
PASS/FAIL
A simple majority is defined to be 50 % plus 1 of votes cast excluding abstentions. Most motions require
only a simple majority. The following motions require a 2/3rds margin: – Motion to Close (or Limit) Debate
– Motion to Suspend the Rules (Charter or Bylaws)
– Motion to Object to the Consideration
Determination of whether a motion passes or fails shall be as follows:
If AYES > NAYS then Motion passes.
If AYES < NAYS then Motion fails.
If AYES = NAYS then the Chairperson casts a deciding vote.
METHODS
Voting shall be by one of five methods.
1. Voice: If the Chairperson or a member is in doubt of the outcome, either may call “Division” of the
House. The Chairperson will then call for a show of Hands. 2. Hands: The Chairperson makes a visual
inspection of hands raised for and against and declares the result. Questionable results will be counted.

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3. Count: The Chairperson shall appoint two assistants to help count the votes. When all three counters
agree, the outcome will be announced.
4. Secret: Rarely used, but the Chairperson may call for a ballot where the anonymity of votes is
considered important.
5. Electronic: To be used at the discretion of the Chairperson
The Chairperson decides which method of voting will best serve the interests of the Conference, except
when a Division of the House is called.
ELECTIONS
The Chairperson shall call for elections where necessary or as the agenda specifies. The procedure shall
be to ask for nominations from the floor. Nominations must be seconded. After a cogent pause in
nominations, the Chairperson shall ask someone to move that nominations be closed. This requires a
second before voting. The Chairperson shall determine if those nominated shall speak. The election shall
proceed after the candidates have left the room. If one candidate does not receive a majority of the votes,
the two receiving the most votes shall remain outside the room while a runoff election is held. If a secret
ballot is held, it is not necessary for the candidates to leave the room.

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ROBERT’S RULE OF ORDER MOTION CHART

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