2024 Topic #003 Cost Equalisation Guideline

The General Service Board suggests creating a Cost Equalisation Guideline.

The Board suggests that a Cost Equalisiation Guideline is agreed on to ensure that the expenses of Conference and Board meetings are fairly divided among Areas in a clear and consistent and equitable way.

WHAT IS THE BACKGROUND OR REASON FOR THE TOPIC?

There has been inconsistent practice in Conference levies over the years, and uncertainty over what Conference has previously decided about Conference levies. The attached Guideline is an effort to consolidate decisions made by Conference on this issue over many years into one document.  

DO YOU HAVE A SUGGESTED SOLUTION?

The Conference create a Guideline along the lines of the attached draft.

HOW WILL THE ALCOHOLIC WHO STILL SUFFERS OR THE FELLOWSHIP OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS BENEFIT FROM THIS SUGGESTION?

1. It will provide clarity and consistency in how Conference levies are issued.
2. It could help Groups and Areas to keep tabs on how much money is being spent on Board meetings and Conference and help them make more informed decisions about allocation of resources.

WHAT ARE THE ESTIMATED COSTS OF IMPLEMENTING THIS SUGGESTION?

None.

HAVE YOU ASKED YOUR GROUP, DISTRICT OR AREA TO MAKE A DECISION ABOUT THIS TOPIC AND, IF SO, WHAT WAS THE OUTCOME?

Supported by the Board.

ATTACHMENT – COST EQUALISATION GUIDELINE

Conference and Board Meeting

Cost Equalisation Guideline

The cost equalisation scheme was adopted at the 1981 Conference and is intended to cover the cost of Conference and Board meetings. These costs are the responsibility of Areas. 

The cost equalisation scheme is based on the actual costs of Conference and Board meetings, adds CPI for the previous financial year and divides that by the number of participating Areas. 

Areas not contributing to the cost equalisation scheme cannot be seated at Conference, however Areas experiencing difficulties can be given special consideration at the discretion of Management Group. Requests for special consideration should be made as early as possible by sending an email to [email protected]

Cost equalisation payments to be split into four payments to be made in November, February, May and August.