Concept 06

(short) The Conference recognizes that the chief initiative and active responsibility in most world service matters should be exercised by the trustee members of the Conference acting as the General Service Board.
(long) On behalf of A.A. as a whole, our General Service Conference has the principal responsibility for the maintenance of our world services, and it traditionally has the final decision respecting large matters of general policy and finance. But the Conference also recognizes that the chief initiative and the active responsibility in most of these matters should be exercised primarily by the Trustee members of the Conference when they act among themselves as the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous.

1. Primary principle(s): unity, right of decision, democracy, trust
2. Other principles: responsibility, acceptance, consideration, constructiveness, faith, forgiveness, generosity, hope, integrity, kindness, understanding, willingness, peace, self-sacrifice, service, tolerance

Readings:

• Twelve Concepts for World Service - pp. 26-28
• AA Service Manual -pp. S62-S75, S101,S102,S108,S109,S111-S118  (The General Services Board, The Board’s Operating Corporations, Current Conference Charter, Bylaws of the General Service Board)
• Twelve Concepts Illustrated -
• “The Book Is Born” - October, 1945 AA Grapevine
• “By Conflict We Grew” - January 1988 AA Grapevine
• “The Incredible Tapestry” - February 1993 AA Grapevine

Interesting again, it is in the tension and checks and balances between the General Service Conference and the Service Boards (and their respective trustee members) that we work out the principles whereby AA functions.  In Concept 6, there is enough license and room for interpretation on either side of most arguments one could imagine to make the other member body (Delegates in the General Service Conference or Trustee members of the various boards) uncomfortable or cry foul!!!

The 12 Concepts Checklist (a service piece from the General Service Office), asks these questions about Concept 6:

• Are we familiar with how our General Service Board (G.S.B.) Class A and Class B trustees serve A.A.? Are we familiar with how our other trusted servants serve A.A.?
  • Principles: Trust, responsibility, willingness, open-mindedness.
• Are we clear about the terms, “chief initiative” and “active responsibility”? Can we see a direct link to our home group?
  • Principles: Willingness, humility, responsibility, ownership, self-sacrifice.