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EMERALD VALLEY INTERGROUP (EVI) DIVERTER PACKET

When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA always to be there. And for that: I am responsible.

If you would like to be part of this 12th step work, or have any questions, please contact either of the coordinators listed below:
Diverter Coordinator: Joe H. (337-6565) Assistant Coordinator: David W. (653-1788)
Email address: evidiverter@yahoo.com

Diverter Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Diverter?
Diverter is simply another name for the call-forwarding system which transfers the EVI Office phone number to volunteers home or cell phone number allowing calls to be answered after-hours by a sober member of Alcoholics Anonymous who is knowledgeable about the local area, local meetings, crisis-line phone numbers, and AA 12th step volunteers. The diverter is activated during hours when the EVI office is closed (from 5 pm to 9 am Monday though Friday, and on Saturday’s starting at 4 pm till 9 am Monday morning).
How does the Diverter program work?
Just before 5 pm (4 pm on Saturday) call the EVI office and let them know you are prepared to take the diverter.
Following the procedure below transfer the EVI number to your home or cell phone. When people dial the EVI
number it will be automatically transferred to your phone. It is suggested (though not required) that you answer the phone “Alcoholics Anonymous. My name is _____. How may I help you?”

What does the Diverter Packet consist of?
The diverter packet is 4 pages total. The first two pages explain the diverter program. In addition there are 2 attachments. The first attachment is Helpful Phone numbers and web sites (Crisis lines, Al-Anon, other 12 step programs, etc.) If you know of any numbers that should be added to this list please let us know. The second attachment is the 12th step volunteer list. DO NOT give out these names and numbers.

How will I know when I am the scheduled diverter?
One of the Diverter Coordinators will contact you prior to being placed on the schedule. The new schedule comes out monthly towards the end of the previous month. A primary and backup diverter will be listed on the schedule for Monday through Saturday. Sunday is broken up into “Days” and “Nights” so there will be two primary and two backup diverters. We email the schedules out if we have your email address. If you are not on the email list and desire to be send an email to evidiverter@yahoo.com and we will add you to the email list. The schedule is also available at EVI.

What will I need to be the diverter?
In addition to the diverter packet it is very important that you have a current meeting directory with you when you are the diverter. The meeting directory will answer most of the questions you receive. You can also inform callers that the meeting directory is on the EVI website, www.efn.org/~eviaa. Note: The “~” symbol is called a “tilde” and is to the left of the number 1 on your keyboard.

What are the requirements to be a diverter?
a)At least 6 months sobriety
b)Member of AA that regularly attends meetings
c)Member of a local Home Group and has a sponsor

How long of a commitment must I sign up for?
That is up to the individual person. We have diverters that have been on the list for years while others only volunteer for one month. We appreciate any volunteers for the diverter program no matter the length of time they decide on.

Will I get calls in the middle of the night?
That is possible but it doesn’t happen on a regular basis. Most calls occur between 5 pm and 9 pm. On a typical night you will get 5-10 calls with most of the calls just wanting information on meeting times and locations.

Do I have to stay at home if I am the diverter?
No, you don’t. If you have a cell phone you can transfer your phone calls to your cell. Just be sure to have a current meeting directory with you when you leave your home.

How long are the diverter shifts?
On Monday through Friday you will be the diverter from 5 pm till 9 am the next morning when EVI opens. The EVI volunteer will cancel the call forwarding from your phone when he or she opens the office. You do not need to take any action for this to happen. The Saturday diverter will be on duty till relieved by the Sunday “Day” diverter. This will need to be coordinated between the two diverters; the transfer does not have to happen at a specific time. The same rule applies for the Sunday “Day” and the Sunday “Night” diverter.
DO's & DON'T'S
DO call EVI by 5 pm (4 pm on Saturday). The EVI volunteers cannot close up till you call them.
DO contact your backup diverter if you are unable to be the diverter on your scheduled day.
DO try to give accurate directions to AA Meetings. Area maps are located in the front of the Dex phone book to direct a newcomer or visitor to the area to meeting locations.
DO refer callers to a suitable professional service (Suicide, Domestic Abuse, A-Anon, etc).
DO remember that you are representing Alcoholics Anonymous.
DO have fun being of service! We are not a glum lot!
DON'T talk at length with callers. If needed get the caller's name and telephone number, and as much information as to the caller's state or mind or situation, and relay that information to a 12th step volunteer. Keep the line open as much as possible. 12th step volunteers will either talk to someone at length on the phone or pick him or her up and take them to a meeting. This decision will be at the discretion of the 12th step volunteer depending on the situation.
DON'T ever give to callers any names and/or phone numbers of 12th Step volunteers or any other AA members.

CALL FORWARDING PHONE INSTRUCTIONS
1.Call the EVI office at 342-4113 and alert the office volunteer that you are taking the diverter.
2.Dial 284-4567 and follow the operator prompts.
3.541-342-4113 is the number with call forwarding
4.4113 is what the operator calls "your personal identification number"
5.To activate call forwarding press * 72 # (star-7-2-pound)
6.To confirm, press 1 as prompted
7.Dial in the 10- digit telephone (541-xxx-xxxx) to which you are forwarding calls (your home or cell number).
8.To confirm press 1 when prompted.
9.Hang up when prompted.
NOTE: On occasion it will be necessary to transfer from one remote location number to another. In that event, you must first de-activate call forwarding to the first number. Follow the above procedure but at step 5 you will enter the deactivation feature code (*73#) and then restart procedure at step 5 to transfer to the new number.