What is an Informed A.A. 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 opinions 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 result 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 all views have been heard before the group votes. – Pg 28-29 The A.A. Group Pamphlet
Group Conscience Parameters and Sample Script
Vocabulary for Writing your Report
Full Unanimity: When 100% of the group agrees you will report that:
The group unanimously agrees that…
Substantial Unanimity: When 67-99% of the group agrees you will report that:
The group agrees with substantial unanimity that…
The group reached substantial unanimity that…
The group had substantial unanimity that…
Majority: When 51-66% or more of the group agrees you will report that:
The majority of the group agrees that…
The majority of the group thought that…
The consensus for the majority of the group is that…
Minority Opinion*: When less than or equal to 49% of the group agrees you will report that:
The minority opinion is that…
*Unless you have a unanimous consensus you will always report the minority opinion even if it is just one person.
Sample Write-Up
Presenting Your Report
Whoever you are presenting your report to (the district or area) wants to know why your group came to the consensus that it did.
🌟What seems to be most effective is to create a cohesive consensus that brings together all the major points raised as well as highlighting any minority opinions. 🌟
Experience has shown that it does not seem as effective to:
- Report the numbers of votes, such as:10 people were in favor, 2 against and 1 abstained… — don’t make others do the math — was there substantial unanimity, a majority, a minority?
- Quote the opinions of individual members such as: Joe said….Mildred thought….but Jerry felt……
You will likely have 1-1.5 minutes. It is helpful write your group’s conscience and to read it at the podium. Try to practice at least once to see how long it takes and make adjustments needed.