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Topic #032/2025 Establish Regional Forums as Statewide Group Conscience Bodies with Conference Representation
What do you want Conference to do?
That the General Service Conference approve the conversion of Regional Forums into permanent state-level group conscience bodies, composed of all Area Delegates, DCMs, and CSO management chairpersons within each state.
Further, that each Forum elect a Chairperson, and that this elected Chairperson be entitled to attend the National Conference as a voting member in addition to Area Delegates.
What issue does this proposal address?
Currently, there is no formal statewide representative structure within Alcoholics Anonymous Australia to carry the collective group conscience of each state to the National Conference.
This absence limits AA’s ability to respond to statewide requests for cooperation, especially from government and community bodies, and weakens statewide support for struggling Areas.
Additionally, it contributes to an imbalance in voting power at the National Conference. Incorporating Regional Forums as formal, structured state bodies would help correct this by providing broader, more inclusive representation.
Background information that supports this proposal
Past experience during Public Information service work demonstrated that State Departments often discontinued promising local cooperation with AA because there was no visible or recognized statewide AA entity to liaise with. Regional Forums already bring together multiple Areas, DCMs, and CSO representatives informally; this proposal formalizes and empowers that existing cooperative spirit.
This structure would more fully integrate CSOs into the GSO service structure, encouraging unity and communication across service arms.
Other AA structures internationally (e.g., in the U.S. and Canada) demonstrate the effectiveness of layered service structures while maintaining AA Traditions.
How will this proposal benefit the fellowship or the still suffering alcoholic?
Strengthen AA’s ability to respond to state-level cooperation requests, helping carry the message to more stillsuffering alcoholics.
Increase support for weaker or non-functioning Areas through a collective state service body.
Promote unity by including CSOs in broader service discussions and decisions.
Correct voting imbalances at the National Conference, making it more reflective of the full Fellowship across Australia.
Empower trusted servants at local levels to contribute more meaningfully to AA’s overall group conscience.
What are the estimated costs of implementing this suggestion?
Minimal costs anticipated:
Regional Forums already exist; only minor administrative changes would be required.
Additional attendance of one new Chairperson from each state at National Conference would involve modest additional travel and accommodation costs, offset by the benefits of stronger service structures.
At what level of group conscience (if any) was this topic discussed?
Individual submission based on extensive past service experience at Group, District, Area, and National levels (GSR, DCM, Secretary, PI/PA Officer, and X PI/PA Officer).
Further group discussion at District and Area levels is encouraged following submission.
