Rhode Island Central Service Committee (RICSC)
By Laws
(Revised May, 2007)

The text of Central Service's By Laws have been rendered here as accurately as possible. There are some stylistic changes to conform to our websites standards.
If there are any concerns about these differences, please make reference to the official text available from the Central Service office.
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ARTICLE I. PURPOSE

The purpose of RICSC is the administration and coordination of A.A. activities common to the various groups comprising its membership according to the 12 Traditions. The major activities include:

1.	Maintaining a Service Office
2.	Responding to 12 Step Calls
3.	Continuous Answering Service
4.	Meeting List Publication
5.	Monthly newsletter
6.	Literature Sales
7.	Providing A.A. Speakers for Rhode Island's DWI Program
8.	Coordinating meetings in institutions
9.	Social Activities
10.	Participates in operation and maintenance of the Rhode Island A.A. Web site

Specifically excluded activities, in accordance with the Sixth Traditions, are the maintenance or operation of clubhouses, halfway houses, or similar property, along with public or private projects concerning alcoholism.

ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP/MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS / MEETINGS

A.	Any A.A. group affiliates itself with RICS by registering with the Office Manager or staff of RICS. Any member of a group who wishes to may attend Delegates' Meetings, but each group has only one vote.
B.	Affiliated groups hold as many meetings a week as their group conscience dictates. Each group elects and sends only one Delegate or alternate delegate, having only one vote per group, to the RICS Delegate Meetings (either regular or special). RICSC suggests Delegates and alternates have at least one year of sobriety.
C.	An affiliated A.A. group attains voting status by representation at the second successive regular Delegates' Meeting.
D.	A group loses its voting status at the third successive meeting at which it lacks representation. This privilege is restored at the second successive regular Delegates' Meeting at which the group has representation.
E.	The roll call of the Recording Secretary, which is always the first item of business at all meetings, is the final determination of a group's affiliation or voting status.
F.	Voting is performed by either a Delegate, or an alternate delegate, on a group basis. On each subject called to a vote at each meeting, each group has only one vote.
G.	Regular Delegates Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of all months except July and August. All affiliated groups are notified of regular or special meetings.
H.	A quorum consists of representation by one third of the groups holding voting status.
I.	The Recording Secretary determines the presence of a quorum upon request at the completion of the roll call at all meetings (regular and special). Meetings can continue without a quorum, however, no votes are taken at these meetings.
J.	Regular Delegate's Meetings, terminated due to the lack of a quorum, are subsequently called by written request, to the Recording Secretary, by at least 25% of groups with voting status, at which time representation from at least 25% of the groups, with voting status, constitutes a quorum.
K.	A special Delegates meeting is called by either a majority vote of the Steering Committee or written petition to the Recording Secretary containing the signatures of one third of the Delegates having voting status at the last regular Delegates' Meeting. The special meeting is held at the same place, and time of day, as the regular Delegates' Meeting, and has regular quorum requirements. The date of a special meeting allows at least 14 calendar days for Delegate notification and planning.

ARTICLE III. NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS

A.	A Nominating Committee consisting of two (2) Delegates from two separate groups with voting status and one (1) Steering Committee member is formed by the Chairperson of the Steering Committee at the regular Delegates' Meeting in September.
B.	The Chairperson of the Nominating Committee is elected by all three members The Steering Committee member may not serve as chairperson.
C.	The Nominating Committee selects nominees for the slate attempting to ensure there is a reasonable representation on the slate with respect to geography.
D.	The Nominating Committee prepares a slate of nominees for Vice-Chairperson, Assistant Treasurer, Recording Secretary and three (3) Trustees for the coming term.
E.	The Nominating Committee presents its slate of officers, and trustees, at the regular Delegates' Meeting in October via a signed report. The slate is published with the October TODAY.
F.	Counter-nominations for all positions are made by the Delegate or alternate delegate from any group with voting status at the regular Delegates Meeting in November. In the event that there are no counter nominations for a position, the Recording Secretary will cast one vote for official selection of the Nominee of the Nominating Committee.
G.	It is the Group Conscience of RICS that the final make up of the Steering Committee conforms to the following at all times.
1.	There are, at most, only two (2) members of the same A.A. group on the Steering Committee at the same time.
2.	No member of the current Nominating Committee is also selected as a nominee for any office.
3.	With the exception of the Office Manager, no one person shall be eligible to serve on the Steering committee for more than an accumulation of eight (8) years, unless there has been a (2) two year lapse in Steering Committee service.
4.	Each member of the Steering Committee must have at least two full years of continuous sobriety and be a member of an A.A. group.
H.	Election of officers is held at the regular Delegates Meeting in December by written ballot. The election process immediately follows the roll call at this meeting. During the election process the Chairperson introduces all nominees. The election for all officers immediately follows the last introduction without a recess or break in the meeting.
I.	The Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer each serve for one (1) year, and do not succeed themselves and are not eligible for a second term, in the same office, within an eight (8) year period.
J.	The incumbent Vice-Chairperson and Assistant Treasurer automatically assume the position of Chairperson and Treasurer at the beginning of the subsequent year or upon the occurrence of a vacancy. (Assumption of an office due to a vacancy does not affect the normal rotation of officers -- for instance a Vice-Chairperson completing a term because of a Chairperson vacancy continues on to serve the normal full term as Chair the following year.
K.	The position of Trustee is for two (2) years. Trustees may succeed themselves once.
L.	Recording Secretaries serve for two (2) years and may succeed themselves once.
M.	Each officer and trustee assumes office at the first moment of a new calendar year and leaves office at the last moment of the year in which their term expires.

ARTICLE IV. THE STEERING COMMITTEE / OFFICERS / OFFICE MANAGER

A.	Steering Committee – General
1.	Is comprised of (6) Officers, including the Office Manager, and (6) Trustees.
2.	Meets monthly to formulate plans and to facilitate the business of the organization. The Steering Committee may vote to recess for July and August as business needs of the office dictate.
3-A.	Beginning in the year 2003, the Steering Committee will determine, at its March meeting, the viability of the Office Manager's salary range every three (3) years, after a written report from an outside consultant is received.
3-B.	The Steering Committee will make an Office Manager's salary and benefits recommendation to the Delegates at the May Delegates' Meeting every year. Delegates will approve a salary and benefits package, including a range for office coverage, for the next fiscal year at the June meeting, which will take effect on July 1st.
4.	Devises the agenda for the regular Delegates Meetings.
5.	Provides minutes of all meetings to the Delegates.
6.	May declare vacant any position, if an officer or trustee is absent for three (3) consecutive meetings (either Steering Committee and / or regular Delegates Meetings).
7.	Removes an officer or trustee from office if voted by the Delegates. This removal process requires first, a thirty (30) day written, mailed notification to all Delegates and the Steering Committee of the proposed action, and second, a two thirds (2/3) vote of the Delegates present and eligible to vote, at the next Delegates Meeting following the above notification period.
8.	A vacancy is filled for an unexpired term of office at the second regular Delegates' Meeting following the recognition of a vacancy by the Steering Committee.
9.	Members of the Steering Committee attend Delegates' Meetings to give insight and clarification to matters they have referred to the Delegates for consideration.
10.	Steering Committee members may not make motions or vote on any matter at Delegates' Meetings. A Steering Committee member may not answer to the roll call for his/her group.
11.	Reviews the feasibility of a donation to GSO at the November Steering Committee Meeting.
12.	A quorum consists of representation of 50% of the Steering Committee's members. Meeting can continue without a quorum; however no votes can be taken at these meetings.
B.	Chairperson –
1.	Presides over all meetings of the Delegates and the Steering Committee.
2.	With the exception of the Nominating Committee, appoints, either at the beginning of their term in office or when a later vacancy occurs, a trustee as chairperson of all Standing and Ad Hoc Committees. These committee chairpersons serve for the duration of the Steering Committee chairperson’s term and may not succeed themselves.
3.	Authorizes, subject to the approval of the Steering Committee, a Steering Committee member, in addition to the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, to sign checks.
4.	Is an ex-officio member of all standing and/or ad-hoc committees with the exception of the Nominating Committee.
5.	Appoints a liaison to the Convention Committee for a (1) one year term consistent with the Convention Committees schedule.
C.	Vice-Chairperson –
1.	Performs the duties of the Chairperson in their absence.
2.	Conducts orientation meetings of new Delegates.
3.	Acts as a liaison to the Rhode Island Area Assembly and attends the quarterly meeting of said assembly.
4.	Is an ex-officio member of all standing and/or ad-hoc committees excepting the Nominating Committee.
5.	Works with the Chairpersons of each RICS Committee to assist in recruitment of committee members.
D.	Treasurer –
1.	Acts as our financial representative ensuring correct and accurate preparation of all RICSC accounts.
2.	Oversees all accounting procedures.
3.	Ensures strict compliance with all government laws and regulations with respect to RICSC' charter and nonprofit status.
4.	Submits, for approval, a complete income statement, prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting procedures, to the Steering Committee each month. In addition to the income statement, the following assets are to be submitted: cash on hand (including checking and savings account but excluding the prudent reserve), and receivables as of the end of the preceding month. This statement, as amended, is presented to the Delegates if in session, and is mailed to all affiliated groups.
5.	Submits, for approval, to the Delegates a complete year-end Balance Sheet, including the prudent reserve statement, prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting procedures, at the May Delegates' Meeting. RICS fiscal year ends on December 31. This year-end report is completely reviewed by the RICS accountant prior to submission.
6.	May sign, with the Assistant Treasurer or authorized Steering Committee member, any check.
7.	Two of the three authorized check signers must sign every check.
8.	Conducts an annual inventory of all assets in the month of January. This responsibility is shared by the Assistant Treasurer and two (2) or more delegates.
E.	Assistant Treasurer –
1.	Performs the duties of the Treasurer in their absence.
2.	Assists the Treasurer where possible.
3.	May sign, with the Treasurer or authorized Steering Committee member, any check.
F.	Recording Secretary –
1.	Takes Roll Call at all meetings of the Delegates and the Steering Committee
2.	Tabulates and certifies the presence of a quorum where required.
3.	Oversees the preparation, presentation, and preservation of the minutes of all meetings of the Delegates and the Steering Committee.
G.	Office Manager –
1.	Completely supervises the Service Office and staff under the supervision of the Steering Committee.
2.	Keeps all required records, financial and otherwise, for the proper function of this office in accordance with the direction of the Steering Committee and these By-Laws.
3.	Presents a monthly report to the Steering Committee, citing goals, problems, and accomplishments.
4.	Makes all required deposits.
5.	Makes non-routine transfer of funds when advisable, after consultation with the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer

ARTICLE V. COMMITTEES

A.	All Standing Committee Chairpersons serve for one year, coinciding with the term of office of the Steering Committee Chairperson.
B.	All Ad-hoc Committee Chairpersons only serve for the duration of the Ad-hoc Committee's business.
C.	Guidelines for all Standing and Ad-Hoc Committees may be established by the Steering Committee.
D.	Each Standing and Ad-Hoc Committee operates within the guidelines established for that Committee.
E.	Chairpersons of all Standing and Ad-Hoc Committees are required to attend meetings of the Steering Committee upon said Committee's request until business at hand is completed.
F.	The Standing Committees are: Social / Institutions / Tape / Website.

ARTICLE VI. MEETING PROCEDURE

A.	Meetings are conducted according to Robert's Rules of Order as adapted and modified.
B.	Discussion from the floor is limited to Delegates, alternate delegates, Steering Committee members, and members of Committees (Standing or Ad-hoc)
C.	All business conducted is approved by a simple majority, except as otherwise stated in these By-Laws.

ARTICLE VII. AMENDMENTS

These By-laws maybe amended at any time by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the affiliated groups' Delegates present, provided a copy of the proposed amendments, or amendment, is submitted in writing to each affiliated group at least twenty-five (25) days before the meeting at which the action is taken on the amendment, or amendments.