What is Fellowship Connection?
Fellowship Connection is an AAWS database and associated process for record keeping of groups, districts, and areas. GSRs, DCMs, and Registrars/TCOs can use their unique login to Fellowship Connection to enter information and generate and utilize reports listing information about groups, districts, and areas, as well as the latest contact data, including email addresses and phone numbers. Fellowship Connection can be used to reach out to these entities and keep our fellowship connected across A.A.
The Forum discussions explore the potential for improving data management and communication within AA, specifically focusing on the Fellowship Connection (FC) platform and its integration with other tools.
Key Points:
FC API: Numerous participants expressed interest in a Fellowship Connection API to facilitate data exchange and automation. This would potentially improve data accuracy and reduce manual effort for trusted servants.
Data Inaccuracies and Inconsistencies: Several members highlight challenges with data inconsistencies between FC, Meeting Guide, and local databases, such as the difficulty in maintaining accurate meeting information and conflicting data across different service levels.
Meeting Guide vs. FC: The discussion clarifies the distinct purposes of the Meeting Guide and FC. One member explains that FC focuses on registered group information for General Service participation, while the Meeting Guide aims to provide a comprehensive list of meetings regardless of registration status.
Central Authority for Meeting Data: One member questions the suitability of GSO as a central authority for meeting data, given the diverse needs and autonomy of AA groups. There is consensus that local service entities are better positioned to maintain accurate meeting information.
Potential Solutions and Collaboration: Various solutions are proposed, including developing a proof-of-concept (PoC) API by volunteers, utilizing tools like Airtable as middleware, and exploring data formats optimized for geo-based searches. One member offers to contribute to a PoC and highlights the importance of addressing the human element in data maintenance.
Overall, the discussion reveals a strong desire within the AA community to improve data management and communication through technological solutions. The potential of an FC API and volunteer collaboration generates excitement for future advancements.
Links to more information:
Forum Discussions:
https://discourse.tiaa-forum.org/t/area-registrar-interested-in-fc-api-and-database-ideas/9572
https://discourse.tiaa-forum.org/t/fellowship-connection/6971
https://discourse.tiaa-forum.org/t/fellowship-connection-exports/9736
Fellowship Connection (aa.org)
This website is where Area Registrars can update records, view current information, search, filter, and download custom and standard reports, including Groups by District, Service Position, and Contacts.