2025 Topic #046 AA Guidelines for General Service

Topic #046/2025 AA Guidelines for General Service – Definition, Purpose and Procedure

What do you want Conference to do?

Agree on a consistent Definition, purpose and procedure in relation to Guidelines for General Service –see suggestions in attachment 1.

What issue does this proposal address?

The current definition of a Guideline in the Service manual is not clear. This proposal seeks to clarify the definition of what a guideline for general service is, as well as the process for creating and approving them. 

Guideline 2 states that guidelines do not need to go through the Conference Approval Process, while Guideline 27 states that they require a 75% vote at Conference.

This inconsistency has led to a collection of guidelines that vary in clarity, flexibility, and practicality for the service arms of Conference and the Board. Some guidelines are outdated or no longer relevant, while others may be better suited for inclusion in the Service Manual.

Background information that supports this proposal

Guidelines are distinct from the AA Service Manual as follows:

Service Manual:

• A foundational reference for how AA service structure functions in Australia.
•  Contains principles, procedures, and responsibilities of AA service entities.
• More structured and authoritative than guidelines.
• Revised periodically but not as fluid as guidelines. Requires a specified majority vote at Conference for amendment or addition.
• Examples: “The role of a General Service Representative,” “How the Conference functions.”
• Outlines the fundamental framework of AA service (e.g. structure of groups, districts, areas, conference, board).
•  Defines relationships between various AA entities.
• Ensures consistency in governance while leaving room for autonomy at different levels.
• Examples: “The Role of the General Service Conference,” “How AA is structured Nationally, Board Responsibilities”.