Current Practice   The structure of Area 92 was patterned after Area 72 with three Quarterlies and one Assembly per year. The process that is being used now is at Quarterlies motions are reviewed and discussed for inclusion on the Assembly agenda by DCMs and Elected officers. Housekeeping motions, (locations for Quarterlies, etc. ) are decided at Quarterlies. Motions such as the aforementioned come from bids by Districts. All motions affecting the Area or AA as a whole are decided by vote at the October Assembly. At this time the voting body at the Assembly is GSRs, DCMs and the Elected officers for Area 92. Some other Areas in Alcoholics Anonymous have multiple Assemblies attended by GSRs each year but no quarterly structure as is utilized in Area 92. Many other areas also utilize an Agenda Committee, such as that at the General Service Conference, which sets the agenda for the Assemblies. ( See page S-94 & Chapter IV page S-65 "Who is Seated?" in the Service Manual) Additional information: Concept IV in complete context beginning on page 17 in the Service Manual.

If Passed   If passed this motion would change Area 92's quarterly structure. The voting members would be any GSRs in attendance, DCMs and elected officers. Potentially GSRs would feel an obligation to be present at all Quarterlies to vote. Quarterlies could also become much larger creating planning and logistical challenges. Cost to Home Groups is also a factor to address.

If Not Passed   If this motion does not pass Area 92 would continue as is now structured, with Area DCMs and Elected officers voting whether pass motions to the Assembly agenda. GSRs and AA members will still be invited to attend and share at the microphone on all motions and agenda items.

Pros   Quarterlies are mini-Assemblies, where motions are developed and discussed. Granting voting rights to GSRs in attendance would improve the ability of the Groups to voice their opinion on these issues, and promote their input to structuring the Assembly Agenda. Similar to the Pros discussed above under F98.1, passing of this motion would support the traditional right of participation and belonging so important to A.A. and it's service structure.

Cons   Planning and logistics for Quarterlies would be much greater than it is now, and may prohibit smaller Districts from sponsoring Quarterlies. Many Groups would not be able to financially support their GSR's attendance to Quarterlies, thereby placing them at a disadvantage in expressing their conscience: granting of this right of participation will in reality create an added responsibility for GSRs to attend all Quarterlies. Passing of this motion would circumvent the DCMs' responsibilities, as defined in the Area 92 Handbook. And while it isn't thought to be a real issue, block votes could take place which contradict the true Groups' conscience.

Additional Information   Financial concerns associated with Quarterly attendance are not valid, frugal options are available. For example, car pooling, shared/host-committee lodging, and other options can substantially reduce expenses.

Some of the District 4 participants at the Preassembly felt that passing this motion would place a greater emphasis on the DCM to bring back unbiased information to the GSRs who could not attend the Quarterlies. Another concern was that the granting of GSRs right to vote should not allow the passing or failure of motions at the Quarterlies, this should be reserved for the Assemblies as is the current practice. [an error occurred while processing this directive]

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