Guidelines

WRAASA Guidelines

Download a PDF copy of the WRAASA Guidelines

Updated: December 2024

The Western Canada Regional Alcoholic Anonymous Service Assembly (hereafter referred to as WRAASA) is sponsored by the four areas of the Western Canada Region. The regional boundaries are as designated in the AA Service Manual.

PURPOSE

The purpose of WRAASA is to develop greater unity among the members, groups and areas of the Western Canada Region; to encourage the exchange of ideas and experiences; and to provide an opportunity for members to discuss pertinent aspects of A.A. WRAASA and the WRAASA Committee should always foster the Recovery, Unity and Service legacies of A.A.

DELEGATES

  1. The Delegates of the Western Canada Region have overall responsibility for implementing the WRAASA.
  2. The Delegate of the host area will prepare agenda content and work with the local committee chairperson to formulate a program.

GENERAL

WRAASA shall be held every 2 years. WRAASA is to be scheduled to take place prior to the General Service Conference; dates to be determined by the host area.

  1. A business meeting will be scheduled for each WRAASA and listed in the program, which will also encourage all AA members to attend. All AA members in attendance shall have one vote.
  1. Minutes and Financial report from the preceding WRAASA business meeting shall be read and voted on for approval.
  2. Acceptance by the next Area to host WRAASA. Hosting will be determined by rotation of the areas in the following numerical order: 80, 79, 91 & 78.
  3. Motions concerning internal operations of WRAASA should be presented for discussion and vote. Approval will require substantial unanimity of the A.A. members present and eligible to vote. Whenever possible, motions should be submitted to the Local Committee Chairperson in sufficient time for inclusion in the registration packet.
  1. All current Delegates and the Trustee of the Western Canada Region should attend WRAASA and the expenses of the current Western Canada Regional Trustee shall be reimbursed in full.
  2. After all expenses have been paid a positive balance may exist. If the balance is $0 – $2,500.00, it will be sent to the delegate of the next host area within 60 days after the close of each WRAASA. Any excess over $2,500.00 shall be divided equally among each of the four areas of Western Canada, provided that such excess exceeds the cost of mailing the cheques to distribute the excess.
  • There must always be an amount of $2,500.00 to be forwarded to the incoming host area, to be used for start-up expenses for the next WRAASA. When the surplus available to forward to the next host area is less than $2,500.00, each of the four areas will contribute an equal amount that will restore the start-up fund to $2,500.00.
  • It should be the policy of the local committee chairperson to keep the registration fee as low as possible to encourage attendance, particularly at the local level. A large surplus should be avoided.
  1. A copy of the WRAASA Guidelines should be included with other pertinent information in the packet given at registration.
  • The Western Canada Regional Trustee is the custodian of the WRAASA guidelines and as such is responsible for updating them after each WRAASA.
  1. The agenda for the next WRAASA event should be available to all areas a minimum of six weeks prior to the event.
  2. The four Western Canada delegates provide the names, positions, and panel numbers of their area’s proposed panelists no less than three (3) weeks prior to the scheduled WRAASA; the local WRAASA committee Chairperson having provided a list of confirmed attendees within a similar timeframe.
  3. Host area should attempt to minimize conflict with local and international events when determining dates for WRAASA.
  4. It is recommended that area committee members take the opportunity to meet with others serving in the same positions during a lunch meeting or otherwise scheduled meeting.

CHAIRPERSON

The local committee Chairperson should have a general overall knowledge of A.A. and experience with conventions, conferences or assemblies would be helpful. They should be willing to devote considerable time and effort for a period of about 13 months. Some of the Chairperson’s many responsibilities are as follows:

  1. Make commitments and agreements only for the specific WRAASA which they chair.
  2. Select a local WRAASA Committee including a secretary, treasurer and others as needed.
  3. Arrange for the meeting place.
  4. Determine how housing and transportation will be handled.
  5. Produce and mail fliers at least twice; once early and again about six weeks prior to WRAASA date. The mailing list furnished by the preceding chairperson should be kept confidential.
  6. Notify Box 459 and the Grapevine approximately 4 months in advance.
  7. Facilitate the development of a program based on the theme and other topics for the ensuing General Service Conference agenda.
  8. Only current and past Area Service Committee chairpersons and the current trustee should facilitate presentations and workshops. Area Service Committee Chairs, General Service Representatives and District Committee Members are strongly encouraged to participate in workshops.
  9. Enough printed programs should be available based on registration ensuring there are extras available for those members who register at the event.
  10. Provide literature needed. Good judgement will be used so that only Conference-approved literature, Grapevine material and local service material may be displayed or sold, no trinkets or tapes from other meetings.
  11. Submit a financial report to the Area Delegates and the Regional Trustee within 90 days from the close of WRAASA.
  12. Consider input from other areas when formulating the WRAASA agenda.
  13. Turn over to the current Delegate of the next hosting area a copy of the financial report, funds as specified above, a mailing list and a copy of the business meeting minutes; and maintain a file of all letters, reports, printed matter and other material pertaining to WRAASA.

LIST OF WRAASA SITES

  • 1977: Area 91 Saskatoon SK
  • 1989: Area 91 Saskatoon SK
  • 1990: Area 80 Winnipeg MB
  • 1991: Area 79 New Westminster BC
  • 1992: Area 78 ???? AB
  • 1993: Area 91 Regina SK
  • 1997: Area 78 Calgary AB
  • 1999: Area 79 Richmond BC
  • 2001: Area 80 Winnipeg MB
  • 2003: Area 91 Saskatoon SK
  • 2005: Area 78 Cranbrook BC – attendance 160
  • 2007: Area 79 Victoria BC- attendance 273
  • 2009: Area 80 Winnipeg MB – attendance 101
  • 2011: Area 79 Aldergrove BC- attendance 449
  • 2013: Area 91 Regina SK – attendance 199
  • 2015: Area 78 Calgary AB – attendance 252
  • 2017: Area 80 Winnipeg MB – attendance 125
  • 2019: Area 79 Kelowna BC – attendance 397
  • 2021: Area 91 Virtual – attendance 408
  • 2023 Area 78 Edmonton AB – attendance 191
  • 2025: Area 80 Winnipeg MB – attendance 116

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