Concept 05

(short) Throughout our structure, a traditional “Right of Appeal” ought to prevail, so that minority opinion will be heard and personal grievances receive careful consideration.
(long) Throughout our world service structure, a traditional “Right of Appeal” ought to prevail, thus assuring us that minority opinion will be heard and that petitions for the redress of personal grievances will be carefully considered.

1. Primary principle(s): right of appeal, minority opinion, trust/
2. Other principles: acceptance, anonymity, consideration, faith, good nature, helpfulness, honesty, humility, integrity, justice, kindness, love, modesty, peace, unity, surrender, tolerance, understanding, willingness, democracy, generosity, open mindedness

Readings:

• AA Service Manual -pp. 22-25
• Twelve Concepts Illustrated -Concept 5
• “The Least Among Us” - February 1990 AA Grapevine
• “The Realm of Spirit Is Broad” - April 1994 AA Grapevine
• “The Incredible Tapestry” - February 1993 AA Grapevine

“Right of Decision,” the “Right of Participation,” and the “Right of Appeal” are sometimes offered as the primary perspectives that make AA a different sort of organization than most businesses and churches we know.

The 12 Concepts Checklist (a service piece from the General Service Office), asks these questions about Concept 5:

• Do we encourage the minority opinion, the “Right of Appeal”, to be heard at our home group, district committee meetings, area assemblies and the Conference?
  • Principles:
• What does our group accept as “substantial unanimity”?
  • Principles:
• Has our group experienced the “tyranny of the majority” or the “tyranny of the minority”?
  • Principles:
• Does our group understand the importance of all points of view being heard before a vote is taken?
  • Principles: