A PROPOSAL REGARDING AA’s FUTURE
In order to embody the principles of inventory and vision, as described in the following statement from The A. A. Service Manual;
“At about this stage we may have to take a critical decision. Maybe we have a policy or plan that still looks fine and is apparently doing well. Nevertheless we ought to ponder carefully what its longtime effect will be. Will today’s nearby advantages boomerang into large liabilities for tomorrow? The temptation will almost always be to seize the nearby benefits and quite forget about the harmful precedents or consequences that we may be setting in motion.
These are no fancy theories. We have found that we must use these principles of estimate constantly, especially at world service levels where the stakes are high. In public relations, for example, we must estimate the reaction of both A.A. groups and the general public, both short-term and long-term. The same thing goes for our literature. Our finances have to be estimated and budgeted. We must think about our service needs as they relate to general economic conditions, group capacity, and willingness to contribute. On many such problems we must often try to think months and years ahead. ” (Concept IX – page 41,1991-92 Manual)
and to continue to prepare Alcoholics Anonymous for the next century, it is proposed that:
- An Ad Hoc committee be formed to examine the Conference Plan, our General Service Office, and the makeup of our three boards (i.e. General Service, A.A.W.S., Inc., and Grapevine, Inc.), as well as any issues referred to it by the Trustees or Conference.
- The committee propose, to the 1993 General Service Conference, any measures which may need to be implemented between the years 1993 and 2000. The purpose of any proposed changes be to bring the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, through its service structure, into a greater harmony from which we may serve God and our fellow sufferers in the coming century.
- This committee have, as it’s composition, a proportional balance similar to that found in the General Service Conference.
- The chairperson of the committee be a delegate, and the secretary of the committee be a trustee.
- All delegate members be Panel 41 delegates due to their conference experience being fresh and virtually completed.
- The items to be considered be:
| A. | The structure of, and relationships between our current boards (i.e. General Service, A.A.W.S., & Grapevine). |
| B. | The composition of the General Service Board. |
| I. Class “A” Trustees a. Qualifications b. Term of service c. Method of selection |
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| II. Class “B” (Regional & At-Large) Trustees a. Size of region covered b. Board assignments |
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| III. General Service Trustees a. Qualifications b. Term of service c. Method of selection |
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| IV. Directors (A.A.W.S., Inc. & Grapevine, Inc.) a. Qualifications b. Term of service c. Method of selection |
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| V. Trustee Committees a. Composition 1. appointed committee members b. Legal voting rights |
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| VI. General Manager a. Qualifications b. Term of service c. Method of selection d. Relationship to board(s) |
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| C. | General Service Office |
| I. Legal Status II. Funding III. Management IV. Location |
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| D. | G.S.O. Staff Assignments |
| I. Selection process II. Term of service III. Compensation/ remuneration package |
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| E. | General Service Conference |
| I. Agenda II. Length III. Location |
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| F. | Conference Committees |
| I. Formation of agenda II. Method of selection III. Number and date of meetings |
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| G. | Conference Delegates |
| I. Maximum number II. Term of service |
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| H. | Other items as referred by the Trustees or Conference |
This proposal is presented with the understanding that each element within Alcoholics Anonymous ought to share, proportionately, in seeking Gods will for us with regard to the shape our future ought to take. In that regard, it would be improper for any portion of the Conference to solely undertake this assessment, or to offer possible corrections.
It is therefore also a part of this proposal that the Ad Hoc Committee be composed of a representational portion of the 1992 General Service Conference, as noted in item #3. That proportional balance being such that at least one (1) person from each element will be a part of the committee and that the delegates, as a general component, compose at least two-thirds (2/3) of the committee.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
- The “primary purpose” of this proposal is provide for a focus through which those possible errors in judgement, by delegates, staff and trustees, can be noted and forgiven by the A.A. Fellowship. In so doing, the trust and harmony necessary for our society to proceed and prosper will be replenished.
- Having accomplishing the primary function, the proposal encourages, in essence, nothing more or less than an inventory process.
- It is felt that since each element of the Conference has reasonable concerns, which pertain to the other Conference elements, each should have a “”representative” who can present its point of view.
- The spiritual basis for the proposal is grounded in the principle that we seek, not so much to decide but, to be an active part of the decision process. A process in which all points of view are reasonably and adequately considered.
- When several of the matters noted are considered, they have an impact on other portions of the service structure. (i.e. regional size affects regional trustees, which affects board balance, etc.)
- By taking the “long view” we may be able to plan for change and thereby accomplish those changes which are felt necessary with the least possible disruption.
- By using a “mini-conference”‘ type of ad hoc committee, it can serve as a springboard for future trust and harmony among conference members.
- Our society ought, like the members that compose it, to be willing to take a fearless and searching inventory of its service structure.
- Finally, this proposal is consistent with this years Conference theme: “The A.A. Message in a Changing World.” It is an opportune time to join together, through this committee, to practice the “vision” described by our co-founder Bill and noted in the opening portion of the proposal.