Last Updated on September 1, 2013 by Area 53 Web Team
At the June 2, 2013 assembly, Peggy A., Alternate Delegate spoke on the topic of “What is an informed group conscience? What is the importance of AA literature?” Below is her talk.
When I found my first home group and was told that I was expected to attend group conscience, my first question was, “What is that?”
That brings me to the subject the DCM’s ask me to research and report on: “What is a group conscience? What is a informed group conscience? What is the importance of AA literature?”
Tradition 2 tells us, “For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority a loving God as he may express his self in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted ,they do not govern.” The pamphlet The AA Group on page 26 states, “…the group conscience is the collective conscience of the group membership.”
An informed group conscience is achieved by the group members. Though group members sharing full information, sharing individual points of view to be fully informed requires a willingness to listen to minority with a open mind.The term informed group conscience implies that pertinent information has been studied and all views have been heard before the group votes.
The importance of AA literature is to use it for reference to guide our groups and our personal recovery. AA Comes of Age tells the beginnings of our fellowship and how the steps and traditions came about. The other pamphlets have suggestions on every aspect of life.
In love and service,
Peggy A., Alt Delegate
Area 53, Panel 63 (2013-14)