What Could the Proposed Revision to Concept II Mean?
Many ACA groups are starting to discuss and cast a vote on a proposed revision to Concept II of the Twelve Concepts of Service. At first glance, the change appears small—but one new phrase has become the focus of discussion.
What is changing?
Current Concept II
“Authority for the active maintenance of our world services is hereby delegated to the actual voice, the effective conscience for our whole fellowship.”
Proposed Concept II
“ACA groups delegate to the World Service Conference the authority to act as their effective voice and conscience, and to represent the fellowship in world service matters.“
Most of the proposed wording simply clarifies that authority originates with ACA groups. That is generally viewed as consistent with Concept I.
The significant change is the addition of the words:
“…and to represent the fellowship in world service matters.”
Those words do not appear in the current Concept.
Why is this important?
Whether this addition changes anything depends on how it is interpreted.
Some members believe it simply states more clearly what the Conference has always done—acting on behalf of the fellowship in world service matters.
Others believe it introduces an additional representative role that could gradually expand how the Conference’s authority is understood in the future.
Because the Twelve Concepts are intended to guide ACA’s service structure for many years, even a few words can influence how future members interpret governance.
One question members are asking
One concern expressed during the discussion is whether the new language could unintentionally encourage the perception that the World Service Conference exists as a body separate from the rest of ACA’s world service structure.
Traditionally, 12 Step Conferences have been viewed as a collaborative service body that includes the delegates elected by ACA groups together with the trustees and other participants identified in their Charters, each serving different responsibilities while working toward the same unified purpose.
Some members have asked whether emphasizing the Conference’s role as the body’s representative—without equally emphasizing this collaborative structure—could unintentionally blur that understanding over time.
Others believe the proposal simply clarifies the Conference’s existing role and would not change how the Conference, Board of Trustees, and World Service Office work together.
Participation and collaboration
Earlier this year, delegates also discussed participation rights within the Conference. In a non-binding straw poll, delegates expressed strong support for Trustees continuing to participate fully in Conference discussions and substantial support for Trustees retaining voting rights. Delegates also supported continued participation by senior staff, although opinions varied regarding staff having voting rights.
While that discussion involved a separate issue, it reflected a shared interest in maintaining both meaningful participation and healthy governance throughout ACA’s service structure.
Questions for group discussion
As your group considers this proposal, you may wish to discuss:
- Does the proposed wording simply clarify existing practice?
- Does adding the phrase “represent the fellowship in world service matters” introduce a broader representative role and potentially affect Unity?
- Does the proposal strengthen clarity, or could it create differing interpretations over time?
- How does the proposed wording fit with the Twelve Concepts as a whole?
As with any changes to ACA’s foundational documents, thoughtful discussion and informed group conscience helps ensure that any revisions continue to support unity, effective service, and carrying the ACA message to the adult child who still suffers.