2025 Topic #047 Office Staff Conference Vote Rotation

Topic #047/2025 Office Staff Conference Vote Rotation 

What do you want Conference to do?

It is proposed that the Service Manual be amended to establish a fixed four-year voting term for the General Service Office staff member holding the single staff vote at Conference, with the option of additional nonconsecutive terms where no other suitable staff member is available. 

What issue does this proposal address?

The General Service Office currently holds one vote at Conference, which has traditionally been exercised by the

General Service Office Manager. While this practice is in keeping with the right of participation described in Concept IV, it can result in the same individual holding voting responsibility at Conference over an extended period.

This raises a potential concern in light of Concept XI, which acknowledges the considerable value of paid staff in AA’s service structure, while also affirming the importance of the spiritual principle of rotation. Rotation encourages the sharing of responsibility and helps prevent a long-term concentration of influence in any single position. 

Background information that supports this proposal

In recognition of the small size of the office and the fact that there are currently only two staff members, the amendment could allow for the staff member to serve additional non-consecutive terms if they remain employed at the GSO and no other suitable staff member is available to take up the voting role. This approach maintains flexibility while still upholding the spirit of rotation and promoting consistency with the term limits that apply to Trustees.

The principle of rotation aligns with several of AA’s Twelve Traditions, and Concepts for World Service especially:

• Tradition Two: “For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority—a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.”
• Tradition Nine: “AA, as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.” 

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

Introducing a defined term for the staff vote would help ensure that both the principles of participation and rotation are upheld in a balanced and consistent manner. It would also bring this role into closer alignment with other parts of AA’s service structure, where fixed terms are already established. In doing so this would:

• Prevent Power Accumulation: Rotation helps ensure no one person becomes too powerful or indispensable. AA is a fellowship of equals, and long tenures in service roles can lead to a sense of ownership and over dependence, which contradicts AA’s principle of collective leadership.
• Encourage Participation: It opens up opportunities for others to serve, especially newcomers to service who might otherwise hold back. Service is one of the best ways members can stay sober and connected to the program.
• Foster Humility: Stepping down from a role—even one you’ve grown to love—encourages the spiritual value of letting go and reminds us that AA doesn’t belong to any one individual.
• Build Group Resilience: With regular rotation, no role is dependent on one person. The group becomes stronger and more self-sustaining over time, with many members gaining experience and confidence.
• Allow Fresh Ideas: New people bring new perspectives. Rotation keeps AA dynamic and responsive to changing needs, rather than stuck in a rut. 

What are the estimated costs of implementing this suggestion?

Nil

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