2025 Topic #020 Maintaining the Principle of Rotation at all Levels of AA

Topic #020/2025 Maintaining the Principle of Rotation at all Levels of AA

What do you want Conference to do?

That the General Service Conference resolve that after the current rotation of the Board Secretary, no former Trustee may serve as General Service Board Secretary, and that the role’s duties, requirements, and rotation timeframe be clearly defined in the Australian Service Manual.

What issue does this proposal address?

Reappointing a former trustee as GSB Secretary violates the principle of rotation. Potentially, this could allow one member to remain closely involved with the Board for up to eight consecutive years, especially if followed by an additional term as World Service Delegate. AA’s Service Manual advises stepping aside when terms end, not holding on to influence. While technically permissible, reinstating a former Trustee as Board Secretary contradicts the intent of rotation, which discourages retaining positions of influence.

Establishing clear guidelines helps protect structural integrity and provides opportunities for wider participation from trusted servants across the service structure.

Background information that supports this proposal

AA’s Spirit of Rotation ensures no member remains in a service role too long. Rooted in Tradition Two, it prevents governing authorities and fosters accountability to the entire fellowship via the Board and Conference. Rotation allows all members to serve, preventing any one person from becoming indispensable. Though stepping down can be difficult, it promotes humility and anonymity, placing principles over personalities.

AA’s Traditions and Concepts emphasize limited terms in service to prevent long-term governance.

⋅     Tradition Two states, “Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.” Rotation prevents personal authority, ensuring leaders serve at the fellowship’s behest.

⋅     Tradition Nine reinforces simplicity and rotation in service, preventing hierarchy. Bill W. emphasized using trusted servants rather than granting permanent management.

⋅       Concept IX encourages leaders to step down humbly, fostering successors instead of clinging to power. Bill W. contrasted “elder statesmen” (who step aside) with “bleeding deacons” (who resist rotation).

⋅     Concept XII warns against any individual gaining unqualified authority, ensuring AA remains democratic. Exceptions to rotation should be carefully weighed. AA literature advises that no one is irreplaceable—trusted servants rotate out, allowing new members to step up. AA trusts that a Higher Power will provide another willing servant, and that no individual is irreplaceable. 

How will this proposal benefit the fellowship or the still suffering alcoholic? 

Rotation:

1. Keeps AA’s Primary Purpose at the Forefront – Tradition Five calls for carrying the message, not maintaining power. Rotation ensures leadership remains humble and service driven.
2. Fosters Inclusivity and Fresh Energy – New voices keep AA relevant and welcoming. Rotation prevents exclusivity, showing newcomers that AA is built on principles, not personalities.
3. Encourages Service and Growth – Service strengthens sobriety. Rotation creates more opportunities for members to step up and grow spiritually.
4. Prevents Ego and Power Struggles – Regular leadership changes keep AA free from personal ambition, ensuring accessibility and unity.
5. Protects AA’s Group Conscience – Rotation ensures a democratic, diverse leadership structure that represents the whole fellowship.
6. Safeguards AA’s Stability – A rotating service structure prevents burnout, preserves adaptability, and ensures AA’s future.

What are the estimated costs of implementing this suggestion?

The cost of implementing this suggestion would be Zero.

At what level of group conscience (if any) was this topic discussed?

This Topic was discussed at the Group Conscience of my Home Group and carried with a substantial majority.