The AA Group

Understanding the Purpose of an A.A. Group.

The purpose of all A.A. groups, as stated in our Preamble, is for members to "share their experience, strength and hope with each other, that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism."  Most A.A. meetings are considered voting groups when they follow the long form of our Third Tradition.

Why is a meeting not a Group?
Perhaps the most important distinction between groups and meetings is singleness of purpose: to stay sober and help others recover from alcoholism. Unlike most meetings, A.A. groups generally continue to exist outside prescribed meeting hours, always ready to provide Twelfth Step help when needed. A Group has a vote in the decision making process of A.A. as a whole.

The Home Group - One Group, One Vote
Although A.A. members attend the meetings of many groups, and feel comfortable in these meetings, the Home Group remains the strongest bond between the individual A.A. member and the Fellowship.

With membership comes the right to vote upon issues that might affect the Group and might also affect A.A. as a whole - a process that forms the very cornerstone of A.A.'s service structure. As with all Group conscience matters, each A.A. member has one vote; and this, ideally, is voiced through the Home Group.

The Spirit of Rotation
Traditionally, rotation of service positions keeps A.A. members from becoming frozen in office. It also ensures that group tasks, like nearly everything else in A.A., are passed around for all to share. Rota­tion insures that fresh ideas are brought to the task, and helps to bring us spiritual rewards more enduring than fame. And, in the spirit of Tradition Twelve, it ever reminds us "to place principles before personalities." Terms are usually two years, but can be any length the Group designates. Before you rotate out of any A.A. office, be sure to help train your replacement and get them registered.

What is an informed group conscience?
The group conscience is the collective conscience of the Group membership and thus represents substantial unanimity on an issue before definitive action is taken. This is achieved by the group members through the sharing of full information, individual points of view, and the practice of A.A. principles. To be fully informed requires a willingness to listen to minority points of view with an open mind.

On sensitive issues, the group works slowly - discouraging formal motions until a clear sense of its collective view emerges. Placing principles before personalities, the membership is wary of dominant opinions. Its voice is heard when a well informed group arrives at a decision. The results rests on more than a yes or no count—precisely because it is the spiritual expression of the group conscience. The term informed group conscience implies that pertinent information has been studied and views are heard before the group votes.

AA Group Inventory
Many groups periodically hold a group inventory meeting to evaluate how well they are fulfilling their primary purpose: to carry the message to the alcoholic who still suffers. Some groups take an inventory by examining our Twelve Traditions, one at a time, to determine how well they are living up to these principles. Some helpful questions may be found in the A.A.W.S. publication The A.A. Group pamphlet. Groups will probably wish to pose questions of their own as well.

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