All of this helped in the creation of the current A.A. service structure with fundamental balances of authority and an appropriate sharing of responsibility. Thus, the General Service Conference, by its charter is “the guardian of world services and of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous.” The voting membership of the General Service Conference is made up of Area Delegates, Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Trustees from the General Service Board, directors of A.A. World Services, directors of A.A. Grapevine, and staff members of the Grapevine and General Service Office. Each has a vote and all votes are equal in worth. There are however some logical exceptions to who can vote in the General Service Conference when it comes to “situations that involve past performance, job qualifications, money compensation, or in case of a sweeping reorganization of the General Service Board itself, occasioned by the misfunction of the Board.” So, although this concept has primarily to do with the General Service Conference in New York and its voting representation, there are valuable lessons learned and principles that apply to other levels of A.A. Service. With in the last several years, I witnessed the application of the Fourth Concept at the Area level by giving paid staff members of the Area voting representation at Area Assemblies. Given their unique knowledge of their areas of responsibility and their commitment to the A.A. service structure, it seemed completely consistent with Concept Four to make them voting members. By giving such voting representation in reasonable proportion to their responsibility we further define yet another component of the “trust” we endow in our “Trusted Servants.”

The complete text of the “Twelve Concepts for World Service” can be found in The AA Service Manual, which can be purchased at the 
St. Louis Central Service Office for $4.00

Carl B.