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Ratio of Delegate to non-Delegate Conference Members – Class A numbers.
The General Service Board recommends revising our structure and updating our service manual and all other relevant service documents to align with our founders’ original intent, and our own long stated ideal that delegates comprise at least two-thirds of Conference members.
With deep gratitude for the dedication and invaluable contributions of our esteemed Class A Trustees, the Board proposes an adjustment to our Service Manual and Charter and other relevant documents, reducing the maximum number of Class A Trustees from 4 to 2.
WHAT IS THE BACKGROUND OR REASON FOR THE TOPIC?
When AA’s founders designed the AA service structure, they stipulated that at least two-thirds of Conference members should be Area Delegates. In Australia we have expressed this as an ideal in our service manual but have never achieved it. The fellowships in the UK, USA / Canada and New Zealand all operate with a ratio of no less than two thirds majority of Area Delegates.
This ratio issue has been a source of ongoing disunity within our fellowship for at least 31 years, with numerous topics coming before Conference and being referred to the Board. For example, in 1997, the Board acknowledged the issue and the necessity for action. There have also been topics asking for this issue to be addressed in 1982, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017. These topics can be reviewed in the “Key Conference Resolutions” resource on the AA Members Website.
DO YOU HAVE A SUGGESTED SOLUTION?
In the topic. Currently we have up to 15 possible non delegate voting positions at Conference, these are: General Service Trustee x 2, Class A up to 4, Eastern, Southern, Western, Northern, North East, Central region Trustees, World Service Delegates x 2 and GSO Manager.
We have 22 possible delegate seats available at Conference. If all non-delegate voting positions were filled it would require 30 delegates to meet the minimum 2/3 ratio. Based on current numbers and the fellowship’s experience in establishing new areas, it is unlikely that there will be the required number of delegates for many years.
If the above proposal is accepted, we would reduce the total number of possible non delegate voting positions at conference from 15 to 13.
If the Topic relating to the vote of World Service Delegates was also accepted by Conference this would bring the number of possible non delegate votes at Conference down to 11 or exactly one third of possible votes at Conference.
HOW WILL THE ALCOHOLIC WHO STILL SUFFERS OR THE FELLOWSHIP OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS BENEFIT FROM THIS SUGGESTION?
- It will help resolve a long-standing source of disunity.
- It will demonstrate that we are committed to achieving our stated ideals.
- We will continue to benefit from the valuable contributions of our Class A.
- Delegates will be closer to having voting rights at Conference in “reasonable proportion” to their responsibility consistent with Concept 4. Our founders stipulated that the Delegates proportional vote at Conference should be no less than two thirds.
WHAT ARE THE ESTIMATED COSTS OF IMPLEMENTING THIS SUGGESTION?
None – In fact it would save money on additional Board and Conference Travel and accommodation costs.
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.
