2025 Topic #053 Removal of the “60:30:10” Plan from Service Literature

Topic #053/2025 Removal of the “60:30:10” Plan from Service Literature and Endorsement of the Group Contribution Plan

What do you want Conference to do?

That the General Service Conference request the General Service Board to ensure all references to the “60:30:10” plan are removed from AA service literature, and that the Group Contribution Plan be referenced instead. Further, that the Board make a clear statement that the “60:30:10” plan is not official nor endorsed by the Board, and that group contributions are a matter for each group’s informed group conscience.

What issue does this proposal address?

The “60:30:10” plan is still referenced in some of our service literature, despite the development and adoption of the Group Contribution Plan pamphlet in Australia. The continued reference to the “60:30:10” plan is inconsistent with the spirit of our Traditions and Concepts, and with more recent conference-approved literature. The US GSO removed reference to the “60:30:10” plan long ago, and Australia has since provided clear guidance through the Group Contribution Plan. Our literature should reflect current practice and the spiritual nature of giving in AA, supporting groups to make informed decisions about contributions.

Background information that supports this proposal

Conference actions from 1979 to 1999 show the “60:30:10” plan was once promoted, but Advisory Action 2002/066 changed the term to “Group Donations Plan” in the Service Manual. Advisory Action 1999/019 recommended that the brochure show a range of alternatives and state that the final decision is the responsibility of the Group Conscience.

The Group Contribution Plan pamphlet, now in use, reflects this approach and is consistent with our Traditions and Concepts. The US GSO and other service structures have moved away from the “60:30:10” plan, recognising the need for flexibility and spiritual decision- making. There are many references in our literature to the spiritual nature of monetary giving and the need for an informed group conscience. Removing the “60:30:10” plan from our literature will bring us in line with current practice and conference-approved guidance.

References:

Advisory Action 1999/019, 2002/066, 2014/010 (Key Conference Resolutions 1962–2023) Group Contribution Plan pamphlet (Australia)

AA Service Manual and Group Handbook

Traditions 1, 2, 4, 7; Concepts 3, 5, 12

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

This proposal will help ensure our service literature is clear, up-to-date, and consistent with AA’s spiritual principles. It will support groups to make informed decisions about contributions, guided by their group conscience and the spiritual nature of giving. This clarity will help avoid confusion, promote unity, and ensure that AA’s resources are used to best carry the message to the still suffering alcoholic.

What are the estimated costs of implementing this suggestion?

Costs are expected to be minimal. Changes would involve updating digital and printed literature as part of regular reprints and website updates. No significant new costs are anticipated.

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

This has been discussed within my home group, and at various District meetings and Area Assemblies informally. When T7 and the GCP pamphlet are discussed, and members become informed, there have been changed attitudes. No formal assent has been provided.