Area 26 Website Guidelines

We are the Committee responsible for the "Official" website of Area 26, Kentucky General Service. We are comprised of members of Alcoholics Anonymous in Area 26.

We are responsible for the maintenance and up to date information about services, functions, and activities in Area 26, in accordance with the Alcoholics Anonymous Service Manual. We are also responsible for the Website Guidelines, content, and contributing content to ensure the website is fulfilling its purpose.
We provide information for those searching for away to recover from alcoholism, including links to Area 26 lntergroups for the purpose of finding a meeting. We also provide information for members of Area 26 and information about Alcoholics Anonymous to the public.
We will strive to keep the AA Guidelines for the Internet from GSO.

We do not provide a substitute for A.A. meetings nor do we provide recovery resources outside of Alcoholics Anonymous. We do not provide meeting information outside of Area 26. However, we do provide links to other Area websites for the purpose of finding meetings in those Areas.

If you are a member of Alcoholics Anonymous in Area 26 and would like to get involved in Service and participate on the Website Committee, e-mail us at website@area26.net or contact your GSR or 0CM

The Website Committee Chair shall designate members of the committee to maintain the website. The Area 26 Chairperson, Treasurer and Website Committee Chair are authorized to make changes to the website hosting account. The Website Committee is responsible for the day-to-day management and implementation of the website, adhering to the to the Twelve Traditions, Twelve Concepts, A.A, Guidelines on the Internet and guidance provided in the AA Service Manual and current approved revisions thereof. Website Committee Chair shall hold committee meetings at Area Assembly and Area Committee Meetings and report quarterly on the committee's activities.
The website and the website policy shall be reviewed at least annually to ensure the website continues to fulfill its mission. This review will include discussion of the current content and layout of the website, as well as plans for the future of the website (new features and capabilities). The guidelines may be revised upon recommendation of the website committee and approval by the voting membership of the Area 26 Committee.

"And finally, we of Alcoholics Anonymous believe that the principle of anonymity has an immense spiritual significance. It reminds us that we are to place principles before personalities; that we are actually to practice a genuine humility. This to the end that our great blessings may never spoil us; that we shall forever live in thankful contemplation of Him who presides over us all." The website will be considered the same as press, radio and films. In keeping with anonymity, no last names will be published on the website.

The website should contain as much General Service information as possible in an easy to navigate format. Each standing committee has a dedicated page. It is up to each committee to inform the Website Chair of the materials or presentations they would like to present. Keep the coding simple so that whoever may follow in the webmaster position may be able to update and maintain the site quickly and easily. The web site should be hosted commercially, thereby eliminating advertisements that may give the appearance of affiliation or endorsement. Postings for the website should include any General Service Activity whether they are GSO, Regional, Area 26, District or Group functions. No material will be posted that would be considered in violation of AA principles. Area and District newsletters may be published when they conform to website policy. Copyrights shall be respected. Registered trademarks, when used, should be acknowledged as such.

In order to maintain personal anonymity when using the web site, web site users are asked to direct all comments, inquiries, and remarks to the e-mail address listed and they will be contacted via e-mail or postal mail according to the need.
There is a very clear difference between posting last names on a website and using them within an email or email address. A website is a public communication vehicle not unlike "Press, Radio, and Films". Personal email between members and/or non-members is no different than using the US Mail (snail mail) or telephone. Anonymous email addresses will be available for Area trusted servants and District Committee Members in Area 26. Temporary anonymous email addresses for the use of those working on group, district and area events may be setup as necessary. The Website Chair should be consulted as to the best way to access area26.net email. Email addresses will use the Area's domain name to maintain the anonymity of trusted servants.

Events should be submitted through DCMs, Standing Committee Chairs or Area Officers in Area 26. Submissions are subject to verification and must contain the group or District service number. Event flyers will be posted to the website, with hyperlinks to the event flyer in the description of the event. Submission should contain contact data for more information including first name only and email address, as well as the sponsoring AA entity, name of event, location address including city, date, and time. We reserve the right to edit submissions as necessary.

Meetings listed on the Area 26 website must meet the same criteria as meetings listed in the Area 26 directory. Meeting changes may be made directly by the DCM, someone designated by the DCM, using the Area 26 meetings database or submitted by DCMs to the Area 26 Website Committee. Meeting changes should also be sent to the Area 26 Registrar.

The only links that the website will maintain are to A.A.W.S., A.A. Grapevine, Groups, Districts, and Intergroup/Central Offices within Area 26 and other Areas within the General Service Conference.

It is recommended that the website be constructed in such a manner that it be available for viewing by anyone who accesses the internet through any means and with any system. Care should be taken not to show preference to specific systems, browsers, etc. that would make accessing the site difficult.

Any proposed amendment/amendments to these guidelines may be submitted in writing to the Agenda Committee for consideration at the next Area Committee Meeting. An affirmative simple majority vote of the Area Committee members present constitutes adoption of the amendment.