“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.”

“The trustees are the active managers of AA’s world service affairs. They are not figureheads — they are responsible for getting things done.” — Twelve Concepts for World Service, Concept 6

Concept 6 clarifies where day-to-day initiative lives in AA’s service structure: with the trustees of the General Service Board.

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What it means

“Chief initiative and active responsibility” — the trustees don’t just approve decisions made by others. They take initiative, plan, and act. They are the primary movers in world service matters.

“The trustees must be willing to lead. They cannot wait for the Conference to tell them what to do in every situation. They must exercise judgment, take initiative, and be accountable for the results.” — Twelve Concepts for World Service, Concept 6

“Acting as the General Service Board” — the trustees act collectively, as a board, not as individuals. Their authority is corporate, not personal.

“No individual trustee has authority over AA’s affairs. The Board acts as a whole, by consensus and vote.” — Twelve Concepts for World Service, Concept 6

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Why it matters

“Without active, responsible trustees, AA’s world service structure would stall. The Conference meets once a year. The trustees must carry the work forward in between.” — Twelve Concepts for World Service, Concept 6

This concept balances Concept 1’s principle that ultimate authority rests with the Fellowship. The Fellowship sets direction; the trustees carry it out. Both are necessary.

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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