Short form: The Conference shall observe the spirit of A.A. tradition, taking care that (i) it never becomes the seat of perilous wealth or power; (ii) that sufficient operating funds and reserve be its prudent financial principle; (iii) that it place none of its members in a position of unqualified authority over others; (iv) that it reach all important decisions by discussion, vote, and whenever possible, substantial unanimity; (v) that its actions never be personally punitive nor an incitement to public controversy; (vi) that it never perform acts of government; that, like the Society it serves, it will always remain democratic in thought and action.
- Warranty One:
- Wealth and power are not goals in and of themselves but tools for service.
- Their source is God and I am their custodian.
- Warranty Two:
- Have a budget.
- Review and adjust it as necessary.
- Record spending.
- Measure against the budget.
- Do not overspend.
- Do not take on unsecured debt.
- Have a reserve of one year's expenses.
- Ensure two-thirds is available at call (instantly).
- Warranty Three:
- I do not order anyone to do anything.
- (However:
- I may make strong recommendations.
- I may alert people to consequences of particular courses of action.
- Those consequences may include a difference in how I interact with a person ...
- ... or a termination of the interaction.)
- When I delegate to others, my delegating authority is qualified by:
- Concept III
- Concept IV
- Concept V
- When others delegate to me, my delegated authority is qualified by Concept VII.
- Warranty Four:
- Seek unity through unanimity.
- Discuss (in the proper forum: the group conscience meeting).
- Listen to minorities.
- Beware of manipulation and overbearing.
- Warranty Five:
- Do not punish (including through criticism, mockery, caricature, exaggeration, sarcasm, or gossip).
- Stay out of unnecessary controversy.
- Do not seek to be different for the sake of it.
- Practise restraint of tongue and pen.
- Resentment or grievance is punitive (punishing) in intent.
- Forgiveness, the antidote, is withdrawal of judgement.
- Everyone must therefore be forgiven for everything.
- Warranty Six:
- Democracy entails personal freedom.
- The programme of Steps, Traditions, and Concepts is non-negotiable ...
- ... but surrender is optional.
- Surrender, however, has consequences.
- And so does non-surrender.
- The consequences are mine, not anyone else's.
- You are allowed to be wrong.
- You are allowed to believe differently.
- You are allowed to act differently.
- This freedom is qualified by Tradition I (common welfare) and Tradition IV (actions that affect others or the whole).
Inventory:
Looking at the above ideas:
Where am I currently falling down?
What can I do differently?