Each year the ACA World Service Organization (WSO) issues a Call for Proposals to all registered groups. A group is either a meeting of ACA members, an Intergroup of meetings, or a registered WSO Region. These entities may offer a Proposal. Proposals have also been offered by the ACA Board of Trustees and by Committees of the Board.
A Proposal is a means by which registered meetings, Intergroups, Regions and the WSO may present ideas, issues, or concerns to the entire ACA fellowship. These proposals suggest additions and/or changes to ACA policies, procedures, or publications. They must be beneficial to the ACA Fellowship, worldwide.
The Ballot Prep Committee (BPC) reviews all proposals, assuring they were submitted properly and making sure the issue and background and other information is clearly understood. Proposals eventually are compiled into a Ballot for voting. Proposals that meet the necessary number of votes are then placed on the agenda for discussion at the following Annual Business Conference (ABC).
All registered ACA groups, Intergroups and Regions worldwide have the right to participate and be heard throughout the Ballot process and may vote on any or all proposals presented by other ACA groups, Intergroups, Regions or the WSO Board.
It may be helpful for a meeting group to designate a member as their WSO Representative. They can attend the monthly Board Teleconference (see acawso.org), read the reports and keep the meeting members up to date, taking them through the process. Groups may also consider having a Delegate who would eventually attend the ABC and participate in the discussions and voting. One person could perform both roles, or a group may choose to have two separate positions and even designate two alternates. Whatever works.
In August, the BPC officially announces the Call for Proposals. Submission parameters and requirements and deadlines will be explained. Until then, groups may want to look at proposals from years past. Much of that information may be found in the minutes and the recordings of previous ABCs. Go to https://acawso.org/category/abc-committee/ for easy access links to information and recordings from previous ABCs. For a listing of the motions that were passed at previous ABCs, go to https://acawso.org/aca-wso-book-of-motions/.
Of course, this assumes that your group is interested in submitting a Proposal. Perhaps you’re not.
Ballot Prep Committee