Concept 10

(short) Every service responsibility should be matched by an equal service authority, with the scope of such authority well defined.
(long) Every service responsibility should be matched by an equal service authority - the scope of such authority to be always well defined whether by tradition, by resolution, by specific job description or by appropriate charters and bylaws.

1. Primary principle(s): responsibility matching authority, humility, integrity
2. Other principles: acceptance, consideration, courage, faith, forgiveness, good nature, generosity, helpfulness, integrity, kindness, open-mindedness, patience, optimism, perseverance, service, spirituality, tolerance, trust, understanding, unity, willingness, commitment, honesty

Readings:

• Twelve Concepts for World Service - “pp 43-47″
• The Twelve Concepts Illustrated
• “The Incredible Tapestry” - February 1993 AA Grapevine

For decades, I’ve heard the mantra at the various levels of service, whether from the coffee maker or the Convention Program Chair, from the Grapevine Chair or the Treasurer: “Where is my job description?”, or “It’s not my job!”

The genius of this Concept is not only what it does and doesn’t say, but how it says it.

First, responsibility comes before authority.  We accept the responsibility, then we are granted the commensurate authority.

Then, the tools for defining the scope of that authority is articulated.  We get authority based on: tradition, resolution, job description or charters and bylaws.  Since we’ve accepted the responsibility, the authority will be matched to it but we may or may not have a given job description.  Instead, we often only have tradition.  This bodes well for keeping AA alive and adaptable.

The 12 Concepts Checklist (a service piece from the General Service Office), asks these questions about Concept 10:

• Do we understand “authority” and “responsibility” as they relate to group conscience decisions by G.S.R.s, D.C.M.s and our area delegates?
  • Principles:
• Why is delegation of “authority” so important to the overall effectiveness of A.A.? Do we use this concept to define the scope of “authority?”
  • Principles: