Concept 08

(short) The trustees are the principal planners and administrators of over-all policy and finance. They have custodial oversight of the separately incorporated and constantly active services, exercising this through their ability to elect all the directors of these entities.
(long) The Trustees of the General Service Board act in two primary capacities: (a) With respect to the larger matters of over-all policy and finance, they are the principal planners and administrators. They and their primary committees directly manage these affairs. (b) But with respect to our separately incorporated and constantly active services, the relation of the Trustees is mainly that of full stock ownership and of custodial oversight which they exercise through their ability to elect all directors of these entities.

1. Primary principle(s): financial prudence, democracy, trust, rotation
2. Other principles: patience, acceptance, constructiveness, faith, forgiveness, good nature, helpfulness, open-mindedness, optimism, patience, peace, spirituality, tolerance, understanding, willingness, substantial unanimity

Readings:

• Twelve Concepts for World Service pp. 13-16
• Twelve Concepts Illustrated -
• “The Incredible Tapestry” - February 1993 AA Grapevine

The 12 Concepts Checklist (a service piece from the General Service Office), asks these questions about Concept 8:

• Do we understand the relationship between the two corporate service entities (A.A. World Services, Inc., the A.A. Grapevine) and the General Service Board?
  • Principles: custodial oversight
• How can the business term “custodial oversight” apply to the trustees’ relationship to the two corporate service entities?
  • Principles: accountability, responsibility, shared responsibility
• Does my home group subscribe to G.S.O.’s bimonthly newsletter Box 4-5-9? The A.A.Grapevine? Do I?
  • Principles: responsibility, informed conscience, ownership