We are excited to be working on a local service toolbox—a collection of tools that reflect our Fellowship’s best practices and experiences delivering services locally. The 2016 Conference Agenda Report asked members to identify priorities for new or revised service materials, and local/area tools/toolbox was the first priority identified. The 2018 World Service Conference reaffirmed the Training and Tools Project, which the Local Service Toolbox is a part of, so we look forward to continuing this work in the upcoming Conference cycle.

We already have some materials, such as PR, Planning, and H&I Basics, but there are so many more we lack or that we have not revised or adapted in years. The “Basics” seem to be a good approach for us because they are perhaps less overwhelming than a large handbook, and they are easier to translate and revise. We believe a “toolbox” with small-scale pieces will have the same advantages. Our first such piece is CBDM Basics.

First drafts of new tools will be posted on this page for review and input as they become available. The next piece will be a tool to assist those of us serving in rural and isolated communities, and will consist of a short printed piece, a webpage containing links to downloadable locally developed resources, and regular web meetings to provide support and discussion.

We believe the next two pieces will be a GSR orientation tool and Fellowship Development Basics.

Whether you are a service veteran or an area service newcomer, we could use your help.

What can you do?

• Sign up for project updates by emailing toolbox@na.org
• Send us any tools that have been helpful locally—sample agendas, workshops, guidelines, policies, budgeting tools, project outlines, you name it. If it’s helped your local service delivery, it will probably help others. 
• Share your ideas and experience in our local service toolbox web meetings. These will be announced to all who signed up at toolbox@na.org
• Help spread the word and raise awareness locally

Following a decision by participants at the 2018 WSC, service materials produced by this project will be identified as World Board-approved material and follow the same approval process as service pamphlets. That means after the World Board signs off on them, drafts will be distributed to Conference participants for a 90-day review before being identified as approved.