Some Frequently Asked Questions...Can anyone get involved?
What role do AlAnon & AlAteen play?
Where does VicYPAA sit within the structure of AA... is it a group?
Can VicYPAA take donations from groups?
Can only young people attend the events or convention?
What happens to the excess funds raised?
Absolutely! Although most support for VicYPAA in the past has come from the inner city district, we are keen to encourage involvement across metropolitan Melbourne and statewide. If you or your group have some time and want to help with fundraising events, the convention itself, or simply as a contact to pass on information to your local groups, please shoot us an email or call us through the details on the contacts page.
What role do AlAnon & AlAteen play?
In accordance with the Traditions, VicYPAA is put on by AA alone. However, AlAnon and AlAteen are invited to participate and their members contribute proportionately to the costs of the event itself.
Where does VicYPAA sit within the structure of AA... is it a group?
Like the national convention held every Easter, VicYPAA is classified under the AA service structure section 14 as a 'special event'.
It is registered with the National Office AA Australia and operates under the auspices of the Area and District committees.
Can VicYPAA take donations from groups?
Conventions are expensive to run, primarily in terms of venue hire and catering. All people involved in VicYPAA, whether they are Committee members or Speakers volunteer their time. However, it is normal for a convention committee to reimburse reasonable travel and accommodation costs for guest speakers coming in from out of town. So in order to keep the registration fees for attendees at the convention as low as possible, the committee runs a series of fundraising events throughout the year. However, groups and individuals may also wish to make donations to VicYPAA directly.
Because VicYPAA is classified under the AA service structure as a 'special event', it, like the national convention, it is permitted to receive direct donations from groups and individuals, provided that those donations only come from alcoholics. (see Guideline 14 from the Australian AA Service Manual, Section 14).
Can only young people attend the events or convention?
VicYPAA events are all-inclusive, irrespective of your age or length of sobriety. We are set up with the primary purpose of carry the message to all alcoholics, young and old, newcomer or oldtimer.
What happens to the excess funds raised?
Funds raised above the prudent reserve are donated to 12th step work through National, Areas, District and Central Service Office in Victoria, as well as supporting other AA 12th step activities, as determined by the collective group conscience of that year's committee.