(Updated 5/1/21) - revised to reflect responsive CSS redesign for mobile device access/support
(Updated 2/2/13) - revised to reflect the aadistrict26.org domain, its structure and features.
(Updated 2/21/12 - describes committee resources and how they are accessed and maintained)
(Added 2/17/12)

AA Group Site Overview

The www.aadistrict26.org has been registered with District 26 as owner. The domain is currently hosted on a shared Windows server at GoDaddy.com.

The site uses C#, JAVA, Microsoft SQL Server, ASP.NET and responsive CSS technologies. The account also supports District 26 service emails for trusted servants (e.g. chair@aadistrict26.org, treasurer@aadistrict26.org, etc).

The aaDistrict26.org site uses SQL databases: 

- an encrypted database for login names, passwords, and email addresses
- a database to support AA groups, members and resources (image/document path names, profiles, etc)

Access to the site is at three levels:

Public -- open to all (the public)
Members -- open to members with a site login
Admins -- open to members with an admin login

A group will have at least one admin account and zero or more member accounts. If no login access is desired, the site will be totally public.

Navigation menus provide access to web site pages at three levels:

  o  "Public" navigation menus have links to public pages.
  o  If a member logs in, navigation menus have links to member pages.
  o  If an Admin logs in, navigation menus have links to administrator pages.

Once a member or admin logs out, the navigation menus (and access) reverts immediately to the public level.
 
Currently, login accounts can be created only by "admin" users. It is assumed a group secretary or GSR or webmaster (or other trusted servants) will create login accounts, which ensures (A) face-to-face (or person-to-person) interaction and (B) authority/empowerment of a group's trusted servants, per Concept 10.

Members have member access to all public and "member only" pages. Each group can decide which public or member pages to include. Public pages, when accessed by a member, may have added features. For example, the Calendar may be public, but members (or designated subset) may be able to add or edit calendar entries. Providing members with selective access, while protecting them and the site itself, is a core design feature.

Admins, trusted servants who setup or maintain a site, have access to site content except login accounts. Logins and passwords are encrypted and are accessible (in encrypted form) to GoDaddy hosting account admins and GoDaddy tech support only.

Note that members can opt to disclose virtually no personally-identifiable information, even a valid email address is not required (but useful to retrieve a lost password or receive emails).

Resources -- files, images, links -- may be uploaded by group members (if so configured). Or, the site can be configured to allow uploads but require a trusted servant (admin) to review and "activate" it.

"Committee" and "Trusted Servants" and "Group" Resources -- are accessible via a Committees page. These resources are the same as other resources except that the ability to add or update resources is restricted to committee members or trusted servants. In addition, resources can be made private, accessible only to committee members and/or those with a defined "role" within the group.

Members control their own profile information, and control what information is visible to other members. Members (will) control email from the site or other members, and can opt-in or out of receiving email or "alerts". The "alert" feature helps trusted servants to responsibly monitor site changes and use.

Member "groups" and "roles" include committees and trusted service roles. A member can be tagged to specific groups or defined roles. These groups and roles are designed to reflect both AA service needs and service concepts.

Virtually all web site elements -- site logo, page headers, text and links -- are database-driven and therefore customizable. Changes to site elements can be made simply by changing a database entry (via the Site Admin page) or editing or replacing a file. A "Site Setup" form reflects web site design choices. A primary purpose of the underlying architecture is (1) enabling new sites to be "cloned" and (2) enabling sites to be maintained without requiring special technical skills.

In 2021, responsive CSS and HTML5 elements were added  to allow web page layouts and navigation menus to be displayed differently, based on the user's device (desktop computer, tablet, or handheld phone). 

This document will continue to evolve to reflect feedback and wisdom, the document and site architecture is very much a work in progress. Evolving technologies and real-world issues will force growth and change, but this is perhaps a beginning, as God's will may be expressed in our group's conscience.

Thank you for your support

District 26 Web Site Committee