Welcome To
ICI
Illinois CoDa Intergroup
Step 12
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to other codependents, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Step 12
Value of service.
People get involved in service work for many different reasons. Some do it because they want to control what is going on in their sphere within CoDA. Others do it because they think that they are the only one who knows what is best for CoDA. Some do it because they feel guilty if they don’t contribute. And some actually do it for selfless reasons – because they truly want to contribute to the Fellowship so that more and more codependents can find their way to their own recovery. Some avoid service work because they are tired of doing so much and don’t know how to set appropriate boundaries. Others avoid service work because they have given so much in their life without feeling appreciated or recognized for what they have given. Some say no because they are just learning how to say no and want to practice. There are probably lots of other reasons why people choose either to do or not to do service work. Service work puts us in a space where, from the start, it is no longer easy to exert our own will because we are working with others. It gives us the opportunity to notice when we are exerting our own will, and to practice letting go and trusting in a Higher Power. It is a visible, tangible, undeniable declaration of our desire to put recovery on the fast track. One of the things that make service work particularly challenging is that not all people who do service work are willing or able to confront and work through their own issues. As a result there are times that doing service work can be really trying. This gives us another truly valuable opportunity to work our program – it gives us the opportunity to learn to accept others as they are and to find serenity even when circumstances are frustrating. Service work is NOT about being in control. It is actually about realizing that we are NOT in control and learning how to function without the need for control, while also learning to truly trust that our Higher Power knows and wants what is best for us and for CoDA. Service work IS about being open to new opportunities while also learning how to set and enforce boundaries in a healthy and loving way. It gives us a forum in which to determine what our boundaries really are in a safer environment than most of us are used to.
Service in meetings.
The importance of service at the local level of CoDA groups cannot be overstated. It is through these groups that the message of recovery and the principles of CoDA are shared with newcomers and other codependents. Service work is a critical component of the Twelfth step, which encourages members to carry the message of experience, strength, and hope to others. By participating in service activities, members practice recovery skills and extend their recovery to new areas of their lives. Local groups play a vital role in preserving continuity, maintaining office, and ensuring that the group's procedures, knowledge, and records are passed on to the next generation.
Local CoDA groups offer a range of service opportunities for members to contribute to the group's success and the broader CoDA community. These opportunities can include:
-Hosting meetings: Leading meetings, managing the reading order, and setting up breakout rooms.
-Serving as a sponsor: Offering support and guidance to others in the recovery process.
-Managing office duties: Ensuring that procedures, knowledge, and records are passed along.
-Providing refreshment and literature: Setting up refreshment tables and literature tables at meetings.
-Volunteering for community service: Representing the group at local community service group meetings.
These roles are essential for maintaining the continuity and effectiveness of CoDA groups. Members are encouraged to take on these responsibilities to help preserve the group's mission and support the recovery of others.
Service in fellowship.
Healthy meetings connect with the CoDA Fellowship beyond the meeting room walls. Groups join together to form ‘Intergroups’, to accomplish things that a single group cannot, such as maintaining up-to-date meetings lists and sponsoring events. The Intergroups conduct regular business/service Group Conscience meetings involved in and supporting the running of CoDA. Strong Intergroups are the key to the success of CoDA in general. CoDA Intergroups are made up of Group Service Representatives (GSRs) from area meetings and interested CoDA members from the local Fellowship. All CoDA groups are encouraged to send a GSR to Intergroup meetings. All members of the Fellowship are welcome to attend and participate in their Intergroup. A sense of community at the local level leads to success in attracting and sustaining the involvement of members of the fellowship in service work and in community building activities. Some consider it a way of practicing and demonstrating responsibility and accountability to self and to others, while working a program of recovery and remaining open to Higher Power’s will. All ICI positions are for one year.
Board Positions:
A. Chairperson
1. Presides at ICI meetings.
2. Sets the agenda and sends to Communications Board Member for distribution.
3. Receives nominations for Board Members to be approved by the ICI prior to elections.
4. Coordinates with the Communications Board Member in responding to public information requests.
B. Communications
1. Helps the ICI communicate with codependents within Illinois by moderating e-mail lists and/or using other
communication systems approved by the ICI.
2. Maintains contact information for ICI Board Members, GSRs, non-member representatives, and contact persons
for all meetings within Illinois (and any individuals regularly attending ICI meetings from surrounding states).
3. Updates state meeting lists.
4. Assists the Chairperson in responding to public information requests.
C. Secretary 1. Takes minutes of all ICI meetings. 2. Sends draft minutes to Communications Board Member for distribution to ICI Board Members, GSRs, and meeting contacts prior to the next ICI meeting. 3. Maintains a repository of records and information relevant to ICI.
D. Treasurer 1. Deposits all donations from the CoDA groups and maintains the ICI checking account. 2. Pays bills accrued by the ICI or by individual CoDA members on behalf of the ICI. 3. Prepares financial reports for each ICI meeting.
E. Events coordinator
1. Maintains contact with individuals and groups sponsoring local and state wide CoDA events, providing support as needed.
2. Coordinates the ICI Scholarship fund.
F. Delegate(s) and Alternate(s) to CoDA World 1. To represent Illinois Voting Entity at the CoDA Service Conference
It is recommended but not required that ICI Board Members and representatives meet the following criteria: 1. One year of regular attendance and involvement in CoDA meetings. 2. Actively involved in CoDA Sponsorship (has a sponsor).
Current ICI Trusted Survants