Area 24 Website Guidelines
The following guidelines outline the purpose, organization, and financial responsibilities related to the official website of Area 24 of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Statement of Purpose
The Website Policy of the Iowa Area Assembly of Alcoholics Anonymous (IAAAA) is modeled on the policy developed by the A.A. World Services Board and adapted for Area 24. The primary objectives are:
- To provide accurate and consistent information about Alcoholics Anonymous to the general public, professionals, students, media, current members, and the still-suffering alcoholic.
- To facilitate communication of services and activities within Area 24.
- To encourage participation of members, groups, and committees in A.A. service work.
- To protect A.A. traditions by avoiding affiliation or linking to non-A.A. entities.
- To serve strictly as a public information and general service vehicle.
- To maximize benefit to the Fellowship, the still-suffering alcoholic, and the professional community.
- To remain open to suggestions for improvements to the website.
Organization
- Website Committee: Comprised of the Webmaster, Assistant Webmaster, District Website Chairs (if available), and other A.A. members who wish to serve. While only the Webmaster and Assistant have direct access to the site, all members are encouraged to participate in design and content review.
- Webmaster Appointment: Appointed by the Area 24 Chair with input from the Public Information (PI) Chair. The Webmaster oversees all aspects of website development and maintenance, and provides quarterly reports to the PI Chair.
- Responsibilities: The Webmaster ensures adherence to A.A.’s Twelve Traditions and Concepts, and guidance from the A.A. Service Manual. Each District Committee Member (DCM) is responsible for their district’s group information.
- Assistant Webmaster: Appointed by the Area Chair based on recommendations from the Webmaster and PI Chair. The assistant helps maintain the site and ensures that updates and corrections are managed effectively and securely by limiting access to two trusted individuals.
- Review of Content: Major content changes are reviewed by the PI Chair and Website Committee before being brought to the Area Assembly for final approval. New/updated pages are displayed at each Spring and Fall Assembly on Friday evening to allow time for member review and feedback. Minor design or wording updates do not require Assembly approval.
- Privacy Note: No email communications will be published on the website.
Financial Considerations
The Webmaster tracks and reports all website-related expenses, including out-of-pocket costs. These are submitted to the PI Chair and paid from the Area 24 website budget.
The Area 24 website is officially registered as:
To maintain continuity, the Webmaster is listed as the primary technical and billing contact for domain registration and will submit renewal invoices to the PI Chair. This ensures website-related bills are reviewed before payment and helps manage provider relationships appropriately.