“The General Service Conference of A.A. has become, for nearly every practical purpose, the active voice and the effective conscience of our whole Society in its world affairs.”

“The Conference is not a government. It is a service body. It speaks for the Fellowship in world affairs, but it does not govern the Fellowship.” — Twelve Concepts for World Service, Concept 2

Concept 2 describes the General Service Conference as the practical expression of the Fellowship’s collective conscience — the body through which AA’s voice is heard at the world level.

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What it means

“Active voice and effective conscience” — the Conference doesn’t just rubber-stamp decisions. It deliberates, debates, and reaches conclusions that reflect the best thinking of the Fellowship as a whole.

“The Conference must be the voice of the Fellowship. It must be willing to hear hard truths, to change course when necessary, and to serve the groups — not itself.” — Twelve Concepts for World Service, Concept 2

“In its world affairs” — the Conference handles matters that affect AA as a whole: literature, public relations, finances, policy. It doesn’t govern individual groups or members.

“The Conference is the guardian of the Traditions. It is the body that ensures AA remains true to its principles as it grows and changes.” — Twelve Concepts for World Service, Concept 2

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Why it matters

“Without the Conference, AA would have no way to speak with one voice on matters that affect the whole Fellowship. The Conference is how the collective conscience finds expression.” — Twelve Concepts for World Service, Concept 2

The Conference is the link between the groups and the world service structure. It ensures that the people who do the work of AA — the members and groups — remain connected to the decisions made in their name.

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Related tags

service · principles · concepts

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All Concepts

Concept 1 · Concept 2 · Concept 3 · Concept 4 · Concept 5 · Concept 6 · Concept 7 · Concept 8 · Concept 9 · Concept 10 · Concept 11 · Concept 12