I don’t believe in the Concepts, and I prove that out in this page but so many people think they are the coolest thing, so I am addressing them, as the Traditions at the World Level.
Concept 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.
Part of being a Spiritual Entity, Tradition 5, is each member taking the Responsibility of Participation, Concept 4, and standing up for Principle. Hence, Right of Appeal. And of course, as alcoholics, I have seen the Tyranny of the Minority, misuse the Right of Appeal as a way to carpet-bag and get your agenda pushed through in the Minority Opinion, or at the Conference Level – through a Floor Action. But if only everyone, or if only a majority of the Delegates were using the principles of AA we could be guaranteed that these things would work. As it stands, I have not heard about one Delegate that was able to stand up for Principle against the force of Involution at play at the World Level.
I have seen this work at the Assembly, where everyone is about to vote, and they call for minority opinion, someone gets up to the mic and the vote gets swayed in a different direction.
As long as this is done with Discussion and as long as everyone is not too tired and just wants to get out of there – it works well, seemingly, although personally I prefer how my old group did it just talking things out until we had a group conscience. We did not vote at all –
At the Conference Level, I believe they have done away with the Minority Opinion and smothered Right of Appeal – but you can do your own research about that. Ask your Delegate.
How it’s supposed to work is that the topic gets discussed, then there is a motion to vote and then a call for Minority Opinion. Then discussion and then the vote. Make sure you see this at the District and Area levels – and if you don’t talk to your Area Chair.
How to practice this at home: Make sure that you say everything you have to say with your friends and loved ones. Don’t lie by omission or commission. Speak your mind. Talk things through.
Anonymous Alcoholics 