What Is the Pre-Conference Document Review Process and Why Is It So Important to All Members?
Regularly, there’s a pre-conference document review session at Area Assembly to look over the issues being decided on by the AAWS Conference. The changes can be significant, or mere wording changes to reflect the current times. Any AA member has the right and responsibility to familiarize themselves with the documentation. But it’s almost impossible to review everything. That’s why the documents are broken up into sections and distributed to each group to review. GSRs have the responsibility to deliver the assigned document to the group members and schedule a review. Or at least an opportunity to review.
While our primary purpose is to carry the message to alcoholics still suffering, the Area, District, and Group can help with that by making sure AA as a whole is operating in the member’s best interest. This is the member’s opportunity to have a voice.
It is important to review the pre-conference material before the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) pre-conference assembly for a few reasons…
- Familiarity with the issues: The pre-conference material typically includes background information on the topics that will be discussed at the assembly. Reviewing this material beforehand can help ensure that you are familiar with the issues and can contribute meaningfully to the discussion.
- Preparation: Reviewing the pre-conference material can help you prepare for the assembly and formulate your own opinions on the topics being discussed. This can make it easier for you to participate in the discussion and make informed decisions.
- Efficiency: By reviewing the pre-conference material beforehand, you can help make the assembly more efficient. If everyone is familiar with the material, there will be less time spent explaining the issues and more time spent discussing and making decisions.
- Accountability: As a member of AA, reviewing the pre-conference material is part of being an accountable participant in the organization. It shows a commitment to the principles and values of the group and a willingness to be an active participant in the decision-making process.
The review process generally follows some general practices:
- Distribution of materials: The pre-conference materials are usually distributed to members in advance of the assembly. This can be done through email, physical mail, or other means.
- Individual review: Members are expected to review the materials individually in advance of the assembly. This allows each member to develop their own thoughts and opinions on the topics being discussed.
- Group discussions: In some cases, groups or committees within the organization may hold discussions or meetings to review the pre-conference material together. This can be a helpful way to ensure that everyone is on the same page and to discuss differing opinions or perspectives.
- Recommendations: Members may be asked to provide recommendations or suggestions based on the pre-conference materials. These recommendations can then be used to inform the discussions and decisions made at the assembly.
- Final review: Finally, members will typically review the pre-conference materials one more time immediately prior to the assembly to refresh their memories and ensure they are prepared for the discussions.
The pre-conference material will be distributed to each group. Each group is asked to review a section of the pre-conference material and get back to the DCM with any recommendations BEFORE the Area Assembly.
Group section assignments are:
GSRs will receive a link to the section assigned to the group in an email or text. The GSR is responsible for gathering those recommendations and delivering them to the DCM.
Overall, reviewing AA’s pre-conference materials is an important part of the decision-making process within the organization. By reviewing the materials in advance and coming prepared with informed opinions, members can help ensure that the group makes the best decisions possible for the benefit of all involved.