AREA 64 Archives ASSEMBLY Service Manual

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AREA 64

ASSEMBLY

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

SERVICE MANUAL

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The Twelve Steps

1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol? that our lives had become

unmanageable.

2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to

sanity.

3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we

understood Him.

4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

5. Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature

of our wrongs.

6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make

amends to them all.

9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so

would injure them or others.

10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly

admitted it.

11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact

with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for

us and the power to carry that out.

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we

tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these

principles in all our affairs.

Reprinted by permission

AA World Services, Inc.

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I am responsible. . .

When anyone, anywhere

reaches out for help, I want

the hand of A.A. always to be there.

And for that: I am responsible.

A Declaration of Unity

This we owe to A.A.?s future:

To place our common welfare first;

To keep our Fellowship united.

For on A.A. unity depends our lives,

And the lives of those to come.

Reprinted by permission of

A.A. World Services, Inc.

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Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men

and women who share their experience,

strength and hope with each other that they

may solve their common problem and

help others to recover from alcoholism.

The only requirement for membership is a

desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or

fees for AA membership; we are self-

supporting through our own contributions.

AA is not allied with any sect, denomination,

politics, organization or institution;

does not wish to engage in any controversy,

neither endorses nor opposes any causes.

Our primary purpose is to stay sober and

help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

Reprinted by permission of

The AA Grapevine Inc.

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Structure of the

Area 64 Assembly

of Alcoholics Anonymous

PREAMBLE

The Area 64 Assembly of Alcoholics Anonymous

shall always be a service body and shall protect and

respect the autonomy and the privilege of dissent of all

A.A. groups in General Service Conference Area 64. In

the course of its deliberations and discussions, the

Assembly shall be ever mindful of the ideals expressed in

the Twelve Traditions, the Twelve Concepts and the A.A.

Service Manual, and shall strive to be the true voice and

group conscience of Area 64 A.A. Unity and service shall

ever be the Assembly?s primary purpose, and it shall

encourage all Area 64 A.A. groups to participate in the

business of the Assembly and to support the Assembly in

its efforts to cooperate with the A.A. General Service

Office and A.A. World Services. The Assembly is

specifically charged with the duty of electing a delegate to

the General Service Conference and to give the delegate

financial support to assist him or her in the course of the

duties of the office. The Assembly is further charged with

electing an alternate delegate to the General Service

Conference, and to elect such Assembly officers it deems

necessary.

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Area 64 Service Manual

A.A. traditions say that our program should never be ?organized?, should always remain

nonprofessional. Also, that there is no ?authority? except that which expresses itself through the

group conscience. Our belief in these principles has worked wonders for our fellowship in guiding

its growth away from ?bigness and power?.

The same traditions (two, eight & nine) then go on to provide for the setting up of service centers,

with special workers and service boards and committees all responsible to those they serve.

The only authority then, is that which is first expressed in the group conscience and which is then

communicated by the groups to A.A. as a whole through GSR?s, DCM?s, and Delegates. Here is

where the idea of the conference structure begins.

The Area 64 Assembly is part of the conference plan. ?What is the conference plan?? It is a

method by which A.A.?s collective group conscience can speak forcefully and put its desires for

worldwide services into effect. It is the structure that takes the place of

government in A.A. It insures that the full voice of A.A. will be heard, whether it

represents the great majority or a minority. The conference plan was established as a guarantee

that our movement-wide services would continue to function under all

conditions. The plan provides a practical successor to the founders of A.A.

The conference plan, or the Third Legacy Plan, was originally set up in 1950 by Bill W. and Dr.

Bob. It was confirmed in 1955 in St. Louis on the occasion of the Second

International Convention. Bill W. took great pains to explain that the plan was purely

suggestive and traditional, not a body of rules of laws. It has served the fellowship well since

1955 and no doubt will continue to do so. (From the A.A. Service Manual.)

Assemblies

Any meeting of the Area GSR?s and the Area Committee (DCM?s and Area Officers) is an

Assembly. The Area Assembly is the mainspring of the conference structure. It is the democratic

voice of the movement expressing itself. Assemblies are the responsibility of the Area

Committee, and are conducted by its Chairperson (from the A.A. Service Manual).

The Following pages are the combined experiences and group consciences of the Area 64

Assembly, begun in 1967 and continuing to the present. (See the list page of this manual for

Correction and Amendment dates.)

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Contents

ASSEMBLY-VOTING MEMBERS??????????.

II. ASSEMBLY MEETINGS (QUARTERLY)????????

III. ASSEMBLY OFFICERS AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES..

1V. ASSEMBLY- COMMITTEES?????????????

V. ASSEMBLY PROPERTY???????????????

VI.

ASSEMBLY? AREA COMMITTEE??????????.

VII. ASSEMBLY FUNDING????????????????..

VIII. ASSEMBLY- ELECTIONS???????????????

IX. DISTRICT COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP????????

X. DISTRICT MEETINGS????????????????..

XI. DISTRICT STANDING COMMITTEES?????????.

XII.

DISTRICT ELECTIONS????????????????

XIII. AMENDMENTS???????????????????...

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STRUCTURE

I. ASSEMBLY-VOTING MEMBERS

A. The Delegate

B. The Alternate Delegate

C. The Chairperson

D. The Area Secretary or Alternate Secretary

E. The Area Treasurer or Alternate Treasurer

F. District Committee Members

G. General Service Representatives

H. All Area Standing Committee Chairpersons

I. All past Area 64 Delegates

J. Assembly/Convention Committee Chairperson

II. ASSEMBLY MEETINGS (QUARTERLY)

A. The Assembly traditionally meets in January, April, July and October of

each year.

B. The time and place of each meeting is generally selected by the

Assembly no later than its previous meeting. The 4th Quarter Assembly

Meeting (October), in each odd year, is held in the city of Nashville,

Tennessee.

C. A quorum is the number of voting members present.

D. It is necessary for voting members to sign the Roll Book and be present

at roll call to be eligible to vote at the business meeting.

E. The Area Assembly Business Meeting is a closed session and for A.A.

Members only. (The A.A. Service Manual, Chapter IV ("Organizing an

Assembly"). It is the group conscience of the Assembly that only voting

members of the Assembly may participate in discussions at the business

meeting. It is suggested that non-voting A.A. Members express their

opinions through their G.S.R. or D.C.M.

F. A typical Assembly Agenda includes: Roll Call, Secretary?s Report.

Treasurer's Report, Delegate's Report, Alternate Delegate's Report,

Standing Committee Reports, Other Committee (including Ad Hoc

Committees), Old Business, and New Business.

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G. It is suggested that the concept of substantial unanimity (12th Concept,

Warranty 4) be followed when any action of the Assembly calls for a vote.

A simple majority vote should apply only to casual votes.

H. Starting with the Third Quarterly Area Assembly, the Area 64 Business

Meeting will be a non-smoking meeting, with hourly breaks for the

smoking members.

III.

ASSEMBLY OFFICERS AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES (The A.A.

Service Manual, Chapter IV)

A. The Officers of the Assembly are:

1. The Chairperson

2. The Secretary (or Alternate)

3. The Treasurer (or Alternate)

B. Responsibilities of the Chairperson

1. The Chairperson?s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

(a) The Business Meeting Agenda and chairing the meeting in

an orderly manner.

(b) Appointing special committees as needed.

C. Responsibilities of the Secretary

1. The Secretary's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

(a) Recording and publishing the Minutes of all Assembly

meetings.

(b) Mailing of Assembly Minutes to the Assembly members.

thirty (30) days prior to the next Assembly.

(d) The Secretary is the custodian of all papers,

maps, tapes, and records of the Assembly (except

Financial records and records deposited in the Archives).

D. Responsibilities of the Treasurer

1. The Responsibilities of the Treasurer are, but are not limited to:

(a) Custody of all Assembly monies.

(b) Presents an annual budget subject to the approval of the

Assembly.

prudent reserve.

* The Treasurer position is bonded. (By Group Conscience taken at the

First Quarterly Assembly, 1989.)

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E. Responsibilities of the Alternates

The Alternate Secretary and Alternate Treasurer will assume

responsibilities and voting privileges only in the absence of the

Secretary or Treasurer. In the absence of the Chairperson, the

Delegate assumes the Chairperson's responsibilities.

IV.

ASSEMBLY - COMMITTEES

A. Standing Committees of the Assembly:

1. Correctional Facilities Committee

2. Treatment Facilities Committee

3. Public Information Committee

4. Grapevine Committee

5. Cooperation with the Professional Community Committee

6. Archives Committee

B. Each Assembly Standing Committee is composed of the chairpersons

of each District Standing Committee and AA member's who are willing

to participate. The Chairperson is elected by Group Conscience in

January of each even year.

C. Responsibilities of each Standing Committee Chairperson include, but

are not limited to: chairing meetings, holding elections, and reporting

to each Quarterly Assembly.

D. Other Assembly Committees

1. The Budget & Finance Committee is composed of six (6)

members and the Treasurer who serves as the Chairperson.

Voting members of the Assembly and past Assembly Treasurer

are eligible to serve. (Concept IV) All members are appointed by

the Assembly Chairperson keeping in mind the spirit of rotation, to

serve for one (1) year. The responsibilities of this committee

include, but are not limited to the following:

(a) Prepares an annual budget to be presented to the Assembly

by the Treasurer at the 4th Quarterly Assembly for the coming

year.

(b) Reviews all capital expenditures and long term obligations and

provides a financial feasibility report to the Assembly.

2. The Assembly/Convention Committee is composed of six (6)

members. Four members are voting members of the Assembly.

The additional two members may be past voting members of the

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Assembly who have Assembly or Convention experience (Concept

IV). All committee members are appointed by the Assembly

Chairperson. The Assembly/Convention Committee will elect one

of their members as Chairperson (PROVIDING THAT PERSON

HAS ASSEMBLY VOTING PRIVILEGES) who will remain a voting

member of the Assembly for the duration of his/her two (2) year

term as Chairperson. The responsibilities of the committee

chairperson include, but are not limited to: chairing committee

meetings, making the committee report to the Assembly, compiling

and maintaining statistical records of all Area 64 Assemblies or

Conventions for future committee references. Three members will

rotate off the committee in even years and three will rotate off in

odd years. Each member will serve two years.

The bid city committee provides a proposed contract, in writing, from

the facilities; a written proposed budget; and signed approval from their

District Committee. After the Assembly/Convention Committee reports

its approval of a host city, the final approval is made by majority vote of

the State Assembly. The Assembly will advance One Thousand Two

Hundred Fifty Dollars ($1,250.00) to the Host City Convention

Committee, or five hundred dollars ($500.00) to the Host City

Assembly Committee which makes a complete accounting of all

moneys received, from all sources, to the Assembly/Convention

Committee. The Assembly/Convention Committee conducts an audit

of the Host City Assembly or Convention Committee's finances and

reports the same to the Quarterly Area Assembly meeting subsequent

to the Area Convention. All residual moneys are returned to the

Assembly Treasurer along with the Host committee's recommendation

for disbursement.

3. The LIAISON Committee is composed of four voting members of the

Assembly who are appointed by the Assembly Chairperson to serve for

a term of two years. The Alternate Delegate and the Secretary co-

chair this committee. Their responsibilities include, but are not limited

to:

(a) Securing and/or maintaining a centrally local facility for the

purpose of housing the Archives and other Assembly property.

(b) Serving as liaison between the Assembly and the facility and

providing support and supervision for any special workers that

may be employed (8th Tradition).

and their geographical boundaries. This map is to be included in

all publications of this Service manual.

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ASSEMBLY PROPERTY

A. Assembly property, including but not limited to: typewriters,

computers, printers, miscellaneous office equipment, the Archives and

its containers, may be assigned to the appropriate Assembly officers

or Committee Chairpersons, for

use during their term of office. At

the end of their respective terms of office, all Assembly property in their

possession is to be turned over to their successors.

B. The location of such property is determined by the needs of the

Assembly Officer or Committee Chairperson who assumes possession

and responsibility for same. The Assembly provides a centrally located

facility to house the Archives, their containers and any other property

deemed advisable by the Liaison Committee. (Concept III)

C. No Assembly property may be disposed of without the simple

majority of the Assembly; all proceeds from the sale of Assembly

property are to be returned to the Area Treasurer for deposit to the

General Fund.

D. It is suggested that any trusted servant receiving possession of

Assembly property, have a minimum of two years sobriety.

VI.

ASSEMBLY - AREA COMMITTEE (The A.A. Service Manual-Chapter IV)

A. The Area Committee is composed of:

1. The Delegate

2. The Alternate Delegate

3. The Area Chairperson

4. The Area Secretary or Alternate

5. The Area Treasurer or Alternate

6. The District Committee Member from each District

7. The Area Standing Committee Chairpersons

8. The Assembly/Convention Committee Chairperson

B. The Area Committee convenes at the request of the Delegate, the

Assembly Chairperson, or any three members of the Area

Committee.

C. The Area Chairperson selects a place and time for all meetings and

notifies each member ten (10) days prior to the meeting date.

D. The Area Chairperson conducts all business meetings. In the

Chairperson's absence, the Delegate assumes these

responsibilities.

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VII.

ASSEMBLY - FUNDING

A. Necessary funds must be available in order for the Assembly to

fulfill its responsibilities to pay the necessary expenses of the

Delegate as prescribed in The AA Service Manual (Chapter IV,

"How the Committee Is Supported"); to provide for mailing and

publishing expenses; and to provide other expenditures approved

by the Assembly.

B. Each Area group is asked to adopt a specific contribution plan,

suitable to their particular situation, as suggested in the Conference

approved pamphlet "Supporting the AA Support System". These

contributions are not dues or levies but are voluntary contributions.

VIII.

ASSEMBLY - ELECTIONS

A. At the 4th Quarter (October) meeting of each odd year, the

Assembly conducts elections for the Delegate, Alternate Delegate,

Area Chairperson, Area Secretary and Area Treasurer. Also

elected are an Alternate Secretary and an Alternate Treasurer.

These two alternates serve only in the absence or inability of the

Area Secretary or the Area Treasurer to serve. It is suggested that

the alternates assist the Secretary and the Treasurer with their

responsibilities. The term of service is for two (2) years beginning

January 1 of the next even year.

VIII. ASSEMBLY - ELECTIONS (CONT.)

B. The Chairperson cannot appoint nominating committees. All

nominations for Area Secretary and Area Treasurer and their

Alternates come from the floor.

C. Election of the Delegate, Alternate Delegate and Area Chairperson

is outlined in The A.A. Service Manual -Third Legacy Procedure

(Chapter I, "What is Third Legacy Procedure?").

D. All members present at the Assembly have voting privileges

(Section I. &Section II, D.) Absentee voting or proxies are not valid.

E. ELECTION OF THE DELEGATE

1. The Chairperson will read that portion of The A.A. Service Manual

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(Chapters 1 & IV) which is applicable to balloting for Delegate to

the General Service Conference and review the qualifications that make a

good Delegate (Chapter V).

2. All duly elected District Committee Members the outgoing

Secretary and Treasurer (provided they have past D.C.M.

experience), the outgoing Alternate Delegate, and outgoing Area

Chairperson (providing such Chairperson has never served as Area

64 Delegate) are candidates. Nominations from the floor will not be

recognized.

3. The Delegate serves one (1) two (2) year term and can never again

be a candidate for

this office.

F. Election of the Alternate Delegate to the General Service

Conference will also be in accordance with The A.A. Service

Manual- Third Legacy Procedure (Chapters I & IV).

1. All duly elected District Committee Members, the outgoing

Secretary and Treasurer

(provided they have past D.C.M. experience), and outgoing Area

Chairperson (providing such Chairperson has never served as

Area 64 Delegate) are candidates. Nominations from the floor

will not be recognized.

2. Should the Delegate not be able to complete the term of service,

the Alternate Delegate assumes the Delegate's responsibilities.

The outgoing Alternate Delegate is not eligible for consecutive

re-election to the office of Alternate Delegate.

G. Election of Chairperson of the Assembly is also in accordance with

The A.A. Service Manual - Third Legacy Procedure

(Chapters I & IV). It is suggested that the candidate have at least

six (6) years sobriety.

1. All duly elected District Committee Members, the outgoing Delegate

(providing such Delegate has never served as Area

Chairperson), the outgoing Alternate Delegate, the Area Secretary and

the Area Treasurer, (providing such Secretary and Treasurer have

past D.C.M. experience) are candidates. Nominations from the floor

will not be recognized.

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2. The Chairperson serves one (1) two (2) year term and can never

again be a candidate for this office.

H. Election of the Secretary and Alternate Secretary will be by majority vote, and all

members of the Assembly with two or more year?s sobriety are eligible for

candidacy. The Alternate, in the event he or she is a non-voting member of the

Assembly, is eligible for the position of Secretary. For the purpose of Assembly Officer

elections only, the Alternate Secretary will have a vote. Nominations come from the

floor. The first candidate to receive one half the total number of votes, plus one or more

votes is elected. After the first ballot (assuming no candidate receives the necessary

majority on the first ballot) all candidates except the top two candidates will be

withdrawn automatically. (In case there are ties for second place, the top candidate and

tied second place candidates remain). After the second ballot, if no candidate has a

majority of the total vote and no election occurs by this time, the chairperson announces

the choice will be made by lot (from the hat). Lots are then drawn by teller, and the first

one "out of the hat" becomes the Secretary. This procedure is repeated to elect the

Alternate Secretary.

I. Election of the Treasurer and Alternate Treasurer are also by majority vote,

and all members of the Assembly with two or more years of sobriety are eligible

for candidacy. The Alternate Treasurer, in the event he or she is a non-voting

member of the Assembly, is eligible for the position of Treasurer. For the

purpose of Assembly Officer elections only, the Alternate Treasurer will have a

vote. Nominations come from the floor. The first candidate to receive one half

the total number of votes, plus one or more votes is elected. After the first ballot

(assuming no candidate receives the necessary majority on the first ballot) all

candidates except the top two candidates will be withdrawn automatically. (In

case there are ties for second place, the top candidate and tied second-place

candidates remain).

After the second ballot, if no candidate has a majority

of the total vote and no election occurs by this time, the chairperson announces

the choice will be made by lot (from the hat). Lots are then drawn by teller, and

the first name drawn is elected.

J. The Assembly may remove the Delegate, Alternate Delegate, or any

Assembly Officer from the duties of the office for just cause including, but not

limited to, the breaking of the sobriety date. The removal is by secret ballot and

requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority.

1. A meeting of the Area Committee will be called to act upon any removal of

the Delegate, Alternate Delegate, or Assembly Officer. The Area

Committee will report to the next Quarterly Assembly with its recommendation,

including any minority report. The Assembly Chairperson will request the

Assembly to act in: accordance with Section VIII of this Service Manual.

2. The Assembly conducts elections for the un-expired term of any office

vacated in accordance with this Service Manual.

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IX. DISTRICT COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

A. Each District and/or new Districts as shown in the Secretary's

records will have one District Committee Member. It is suggested

that the maximum number of groups a District Committee Member

serves is fifteen (15). When the District exceeds fifteen

(15) Groups, the District should be divided into new Districts. The

groups in the District determine the geographic boundaries of the

new Districts. The designation of new District numbers is

determined by the Assembly Chairperson and the DCM's involved.

B. The elected General Service Representative (GSR) from each group

in the District and the District Committee Member (DCM) are

members of the District Committee.

X. DISTRICT MEETINGS

A. Each District traditionally meets a minimum of four (4)

times each year.

1. In December

2. In March

3. In June

In September

B. Each District meets at a time and place of its own selection.

C. It is the responsibility of the District Committee Member to notify all

Committee Members of the time and place of all District meetings

and to chair all District meetings where feasible.

XI. DISTRICT STANDING COMMITTEES

A. The District has six (6) standing committees:

1. Correctional Facilities Committee

2. Treatment Facilities Committee

3. Public Information Committee

4. Grapevine Committee

5. Cooperation with the Professional Community Committee

6. Archives Committee

B. The District elects committee members from its membership and

from among interested and qualified AA's in the District.

C. Each Standing Committee elects one of its members as

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Chairperson, and that Chairperson serves on the like Assembly

Standing Committee.

XII. DISTRICT ELECTIONS

A. Each group in the District elects a GSR on or before September 1 of

each odd year. The term of service is two (2) years beginning the

next even year, January 1.

B. The elected GSR's of the District at the Districts September meeting

in each odd year elect one of their members as the DCM. It is

suggested that the procedures outlined in The AA Service Manual-

Chapter III be followed. The term of service is two (2) years

beginning the next even year, January 1.

C The DCM notifies, in writing, the Assembly Chairperson and

Assembly Secretary of the name and address of the new DCM as

well as the name, address and groups represented by all new

GSR's and any new group formed in the District and/or any inactive

groups.

D. Each Group and/or District, at its discretion, can replace an elected

GSR or DCM with an announced election, in compliance with The

A.A. Service Manual (Chapter III), and in the spirit of the Fourth

Tradition.

XIII. AMENDMENTS

A. All proposed amendments to this Service Manual are submitted in

writing to the Area Chairperson with a copy to the Delegate not less

than forty-five (45) days prior to the next Quarterly Assembly. A

proposed amendment is submitted by a GSR only. Said amendment

will have the submitting group's approval and be signed by the GSR

and other group officers.

B. The Chairperson includes the proposed amendment, as submitted,

on the Agenda for the next Quarterly Assembly meeting. A copy of

each amendment will be included with the minutes of the previous

Assembly. Copies will also be available at the registration table at the

next Quarterly Assembly.

C. It is suggested that the proposed amendment be included on the

agenda of the GSR/DCM meeting for discussion prior to the regular

business meeting. (Concept XII, Warranty Four)

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D. A two-thirds (2/3)-majority approval of the quorum constitutes the

adoption of the amendment. (Concept II and Concept III)

E. A simple majority approval vote suggests that the proposed

amendment be referred to an ad hoc committee for further study. It is

further suggested that the ad hoc committee make its report at the

DCM/GSR sharing session at the next Quarterly Assembly for

discussion, prior to the Assembly business meeting. A final vote is

taken at the business meeting.

XIII. AMENDMENTS (CONT.)

Adopted 1967

Corrected

1989

Amended 1969

Amended

1993

Amended 1974

Amended

1995

Amended 1978

Amended

1997

Corrected 1978

Amended 1999

Amended 1979

Amended

2001

Amended 1980

Amended 1981

Amended 1982

Corrected 1983

Service Manual adopted October 20, 1985

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The Twelve Concepts

(Short Form)

1. Final responsibility and ultimate authority for A.A. world services should

always reside in the collective conscience of our whole Fellowship.

2. 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.

3. To insure effective leadership, we should endow each element of A.A.?the

Conference, the General Service Board and its service corporations, staffs,

committees, and executives- with a traditional ?Right of Decision.?

4. At all responsible levels, we ought to maintain a traditional ?Right of

Participation,? allowing a voting representation in reasonable proportion to

the responsibility that each must discharge.

5. Throughout our structure, a traditional ?Right of Appeal? ought to prevail,

so that minority opinion will be heard and personal grievances receive

careful consideration.

6. 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.

7. The Charter of Bylaws of the General Service Board are legal instruments,

empowering the trustees to manage and conduct world service affairs. The

Conference Charter is not a legal document; it relies upon tradition and the

A.A. purse for final effectiveness.

8. The trustees are the principal planners and administrators of overall policy

and finance. They have custodial oversight of the separately incorporated

and constantly active services, exercising this through their ability to elect all

the directors of these entities.

9. Good service leadership at all levels is indispensable for our future

functioning and safety. Primary world service leadership, once exercised by

the founders, must necessarily be assumed by the trustees.

10. Every service responsibility should be matched by an equal service authority,

with the scope of such authority well defined.

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The Twelve Concepts (Short Form) (continued)

11. The trustees should always have the best possible committees, corporate

service directors, executives, staffs, and consultants. Composition,

qualifications, induction procedures, and rights and duties will always be

matters of serious concern.

12. The Conference shall observe the spirit of A.A. tradition, taking care that it

never becomes the seat of perilous wealth or power; that sufficient operating

funds and reserve be its prudent financial principle; that it place none of its

members in a position of unqualified authority over others; that it reach all

important decisions by discussion vote, and whenever possible by substantial

unanimity; that its actions never be personally punitive nor an incitement to

public controversy; that it never performs acts of government, and that, like

the Society it serves, it will always remain democratic in thought and action.

Reprinted by permission of AAWS, Inc.

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The Twelve Traditions

1. Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon

A.A. unity.

2. For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority?a loving God as

He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but

trusted servants; they do not govern.

3. The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.

4. Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups

or A.A. as a whole.

5. Each group has but one primary purpose?to carry its message to the

alcoholic who still suffers.

6. An A.A. group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the A.A. name to any

related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property, and

prestige divert us from our primary purpose.

7. Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside

contributions.

8. Alcoholics Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our

service centers may employ special workers.

9. A.A., as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or

committees directly responsible to those they serve.

10. Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name

ought never be drawn into public controversy.

11. Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we

need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and

films.

12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding

us to place principles before personalities.

Reprinted by permission of

A.A. World Services, Inc.

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INFORMATION ONLY, NOT PART OF AREA 64 STRUCTURE

Area 64 Assembly Guidelines

General Rules of Debate

Adopted: First Quarter Assembly January 1991

The general rules of debate in the Assembly are roughly what are called ?informal rules? by

Robert: people who wish to speak to a topic line up at the microphones and are called on in

order, each may speak for two minutes; no speaker can speak for a second time to a topic, until

all who wish to have spoken for the first time.

Specific Robert?s rules that come up often:

(1) Any motion which has the effect

issue. The possibility of limiting

of limiting debate on a topic requires

debate preserves the right of the

a two- thirds vote. This applies

majority, in that, otherwise, a small

particularly when someone ?calls for

minority could frustrate the Assembly

the previous question.? This motion

by prolonging debate indefinitely.

can only be made in order, requires

a second, is not debatable, and

A motion which has the effect of

requires a two-thirds vote. If passed,

postponing, to a later time in the

debate on the issue before the

same session, discussion and vote

Assembly ceases, and the Assembly

on a question requires only a

proceeds immediately to vote on it.

majority (to Table).

It must be emphasized that when an

Assembly member ?calls the

question? this does not end debate

on the question before the house. It

postpones it while the Assembly

determines whether two-thirds of its

(2) From time to time a request to

members wish to end it. in other

reconsider an Assembly Action is

words, it simply ask whether the

made. According to Robert, such a

sense of the meeting is that debate

request can be made in the form of a

on the question be ended. Unless

motion, but only by someone who

two-thirds of the members wish to

had voted with the winning side on

end the debate, it will continue.

the action and now wishes to change

their vote. According to Robert, a

simple majority is enough to cause

It might seem that limitation of

reconsideration, but no action can be

debate is contrary to the spirit of the

reconsidered twice. This request may

Fellowship, but the rights of the

be made on the day of the original

minority are preserved, in that it

action or on the next Assembly day.

Page 23

required two-thirds of the voters to

limit debate, and expression of the

minority point of view will always be

possible after the vote on the main

Page 24

INFORMATION ONLY, NOT PART OF STATE STRUCTURE

AREA 64 ASSEMBLY

GUIDELINES FOR ASSEMBLY EXPENSES AND CONTRIBUTIONS

The Area 64 Assembly Guidelines below are compiled from the experience of Area 64 members.

They also reflect guidance given through the Twelve Traditions and the General Service

Conference (U.S. and Canada). It is the responsibility of the Area 64 Assembly to support its

elected service representatives and workers. While it is certainly up to the group conscience,

many A.A. members seem to agree that no one should be excluded from service because of

finances. Some service workers? expenses come out of their own pocket, while others are

reimbursed.

ASSEMBLY EXPENSES

Delegate

Standing Committee

Expenses

The Area Delegate will be given, upon arrival at each quarterly

The six Standing

Committees are budgeted an amount so noted

assembly, an amount as noted in the budget. The extra amount

in the budget per

committee per year. This is a total Standing

is to help defray the additional costs of serving as Delegate.

Committee budgeted

amount per year. Expenses will be paid

The Delegate shall be advanced an amount as noted in the bud-

upon presentation of

receipts by the committee chairpersons

get, to attend the Southeastern Conference, the annual

to the Area 64

Treasurer. All expenses above the budgeted

Southeast Delegate Meeting, the Southeast Regional Forum

amount per committee

per year must be submitted to the Budget

(meets every two years), and the Area 64 Convention.

& Finance Committee

for approval. Receipts must be submitted

These expenses are not to exceed the amount as noted in the

to the Area Treasurer

on a quarterly basis.

approved budget. Any expenses above the budgeted amounts

as shown in the approved budget must be submitted, along with

Area Assembly

Expenses

receipts, to the Budget & Finance Committee for approval.

There will be a

budgeted amount for the following Area

Assembly expenses: Delegate?s

trip to the General Service

Alternate Delegate

Conference, Area Office Rent,

Area 64 Convention Advance,

The Alternate Delegate will be recompensed expenses to attend

Printing & Postage,

Corporate Charter, Memorials and

the annual Southeast Delegate Meeting. This is a budgeted amount.

Budget & Finance

Committee expenses. These expenses will

Expenses in excess of the budgeted amount should be referred to

be paid by the Area

Treasurer. Any Area 64 Assembly

the Area Assembly Budget & Finance Committee for approval.

expenses, other than

budgeted, will be submitted to the

Budget & Finance Committee

for review and recommendation

Assembly Officers

to the Assembly for final

approval or disapproval.

The Alternate Delegate, Area Treasurer, and Area Secretary

will be given upon arrival at each quarterly assembly an

Page 25

amount as noted in the budget to help defray the cost of attending

Return of Residual

Monies

and serving as trusted servants. All expenses above that bud-

The Area 64 Service

Manual specifies that all Area 64

geted amount per quarter must be submitted to the Budget &

Convention residual

monies be returned to the Area Treasury

Finance Committee for approval. Receipts reflecting additional

by the host committee

with recommendations for disburse-

expenses must be submitted to the Area Treasurer on a

ment. It is hereby suggested

that all residual monies from our

quarterly basis. The Area Chairperson will be given, upon arrival quarterly assemblies be turned

over to the Area Treasurer

at each quarterly assembly, an amount as noted in the budget. The

with recommendations

for disbursement. This is due to the

extra amount is to help defray the additional costs of serving

fact that the assembly

has in the past paid any expense

as Area Chairperson. All expenses above the budgeted amount

shortage experienced

by an assembly host committee.

per quarter must be submitted to the Budget & Finance

Committee for approval. Receipts reflecting additional expenses

must be submitted to the Area Treasurer on a quarterly basis.

The Alternate Delegate, Area Chairperson, Area Treasurer, and ASSEMBLY

CONTRIBUTIONS

Area Secretary will be recompensed expenses to attend the

Assembly

contributions will be accepted from Groups,

Southeast Regional Forum which meets every two years. This

Districts, Area

Assemblies, Area 64 Conventions, Tennessee

expense is noted in the budget.

Conference of Young People of

A.A. and A.A. members.

Area Standing Committee Chairperson

The Chairpersons of the six Standing Committees will be given,

upon arrival at each quarterly assembly, an amount noted in

the budget to help defray the cost of attending and serving as

trusted servants. In the absence of the chairpersons, the

alternate chairpersons will be reimbursed. The outgoing chair-

persons will be paid at the first quarterly assembly of the even

year (year of the election of new chairperson).

Page 26

INFORMATION ONLY, NOT PART OF STATE STRUCTURE

AREA 64 ASSEMBLY

GUIDELINES FOR ASSEMBLY EXPENSES AND CONTRIBUTIONS

The Area 64 Assembly Guidelines below are compiled from the experience of Area 64 members. They also reflect guidance given through the

Twelve Traditions and the General Service Conference (U.S. and Canada). It is the responsibility of the Area 64 Assembly to support its

elected service representatives and workers. While it is certainly up to the group conscience, many A.A. members seem to agree that no one

should be excluded from service because of finances. Some service workers? expenses come out of their own pocket, while others are

reimbursed.

ASSEMBLY EXPENSES

Delegate

Standing Committee Expenses

The Area Delegate will be given, upon arrival at each quarterly

The six Standing Committees are budgeted an amount so

noted

assembly, an amount as noted in the budget. The extra amount

in the budget per committee per year. This is a total Standing

is to help defray the additional costs of serving as Delegate.

Committee budgeted amount per year. Expenses will be paid

The Delegate shall be advanced an amount as noted in the bud-

upon presentation of receipts by the committee chairpersons

get, to attend the Southeastern Conference, the annual

to the Area 64 Treasurer. All expenses above the budgeted

Southeast Delegate Meeting, the Southeast Regional Forum

amount per committee per year must be submitted to the Budget

(meets every two years), and the Area 64 Convention.

& Finance Committee for approval. Receipts must be submitted

These expenses are not to exceed the amount as noted in the

to the Area Treasurer on a quarterly basis.

approved budget. Any expenses above the budgeted amounts

as shown in the approved budget must be submitted, along with

Area Assembly Expenses

receipts, to the Budget & Finance Committee for approval.

There will be a budgeted amount for the following Area

Assembly expenses: Delegate?s trip to the General Service

Alternate Delegate

Conference, Area Office Rent, Area 64 Convention

Advance,

The Alternate Delegate will be recompensed expenses to attend

Printing & Postage, Corporate Charter, Memorials and

the annual Southeast Delegate Meeting. This is a budgeted amount.

Budget & Finance Committee expenses. These expenses will

Expenses in excess of the budgeted amount should be referred to

be paid by the Area Treasurer. Any Area 64 Assembly

the Area Assembly Budget & Finance Committee for approval.

expenses, other than budgeted, will be submitted to the

Budget & Finance Committee for review and recommendation

Assembly Officers

to the Assembly for final approval or disapproval.

The Alternate Delegate, Area Treasurer, and Area Secretary

will be given upon arrival at each quarterly assembly an

amount as noted in the budget to help defray the cost of attending

Return of Residual Monies

and serving as trusted servants. All expenses above that bud-

The Area 64 Service Manual specifies that all Area 64

geted amount per quarter must be submitted to the Budget &

Convention residual monies be returned to the Area Treasury

Finance Committee for approval. Receipts reflecting additional

by the host committee with recommendations for disburse-

expenses must be submitted to the Area Treasurer on a

ment. It is hereby suggested that all residual monies from our

quarterly basis. The Area Chairperson will be given, upon arrival

quarterly assemblies be turned over to the Area Treasurer

at each quarterly assembly, an amount as noted in the budget. The

with recommendations for disbursement. This is due to the

extra amount is to help defray the additional costs of serving

fact that the assembly has in the past paid any expense

as Area Chairperson. All expenses above the budgeted amount

shortage experienced by an assembly host committee.

per quarter must be submitted to the Budget & Finance

Committee for approval. Receipts reflecting additional expenses

must be submitted to the Area Treasurer on a quarterly basis.

The Alternate Delegate, Area Chairperson, Area Treasurer, and

ASSEMBLY CONTRIBUTIONS

Area Secretary will be recompensed expenses to attend the

Assembly contributions will be accepted from Groups,

Southeast Regional Forum which meets every two years. This

Districts, Area Assemblies, Area 64 Conventions, Tennessee

expense is noted in the budget.

Conference of Young People of A.A. and A.A. members.

Area Standing Committee Chairperson

The Chairpersons of the six Standing Committees will be given,

upon arrival at each quarterly assembly, an amount noted in

the budget to help defray the cost of attending and serving as

trusted servants. In the absence of the chairpersons, the

alternate chairpersons will be reimbursed. The outgoing chair-

persons will be paid at the first quarterly assembly of the even

year (year of the election of new chairperson).

Page 27

INFORMATION ONLY, NOT PART OF AREA 64 STRUCTURE

AREA 64 ASSEMBLY SUGGESTED GUIDELINES

TREASURERS RESPONSIBILIES

The Area 64 Assembly Guidelines below are compiled from the experience of Area 64

A.A. members. They also reflect guidance given through the Twelve Traditions, Twelve

Concepts, and the General Service Conference (US and Canada).

It is the responsibility of the Area 64 Assembly Treasurer to perform the responsibilities

listed in the Area 64 Service Manual, Section III, Item D. The experience of the Budget

& Finance Committee suggests the following procedures be used to carry out those

responsibilities.

All accounts (checking and savings) must be set up with both the Treasurer?s and

Alternate Treasurer?s signatures.

All checks must be signed by both Treasurer and Alternate Treasurer (requirement of the

bond).

All funds received by Treasurer are to be deposited at least twice monthly.

Keep sufficient records of funds received from Groups in order to trace contributions

credited to the wrong Group Contribution Report.

Bank statement to be balanced by the Alternate Treasurer on a quarterly basis

(requirement of the bond).

Keep a double entry ledger, either manually or by computer, balancing to the checkbook.

Report will then be prepared from the ledger.

INFORMATION ONLY, NOT

PART OF AREA 64 STRUCTURE

Page 28

AREA 64 ASSEMBLY SUGGESTED GUIDELINES

SECRETARY RESPONSIBILIES

The Area 64 Assembly Guidelines are compiled from the experience of Area 64 A.A.

members. They also reflect guidance given through the Twelve Traditions, Twelve

Concepts, and the General Service Conference,

It is the responsibility of the Area 64 Assembly Secretary to perform the responsibilities

listed in the Area 64 Service Manual, Section III, Item C. In addition to those

responsibilities, it is suggested that the Secretary perform the following task which can be