Proposal Guidelines

ABC Proposals are an opportunity for meetings, Intergroups and Regions (groups) to bring an idea, issue, or concern before the entire international fellowship. Each year our World Service Organization (WSO) issues a Call for Proposals to all registered groups.

When proposals are received they are evaluated for global relevance. Submitting groups will be contacted if there are any questions.

After the WSO adds an analysis of each proposal, they are sent to all registered groups. Groups then vote to help determine whether the proposals will be included on the agenda at the ABC in April.

Proposals may total no more than 500 words each, and are formatted in three parts:

  • Issue -The specific action or change you are seeking from WSO, preferably as a single statement.
  • The background or history of the issue or item.
  • An argument in favor of the action or change.

As an international organization we have meetings in many languages, countries, and settings. Because proposals must be quickly analyzed and translated, please keep them specific and succinct, and only address matters that concern ACA as a whole. Issues that are more local or narrow in focus may be sent to your local Intergroup or Region. They are better equipped to assist you with them.

Many issues might also be more efficiently addressed by the appropriate WSO committee, such as Literature or Website & Database, without waiting for the ABC and the proposal process. See the document in this same category called “Is it a Proposal or Should it go to a Committee?” - https://acawso.org/2018/08/01/is-it-a-proposal-or-should-it-go-to-a-committee/

Issues such as specific banking processes and insurance issues are examples of what would better be handled locally or by a WSO Committee.

Proposals that would suggest a violation of the ACA Traditions will not be accepted, such as aligning with an outside entity or giving the 'conference-approved' designation to outside literature.

If you have questions about drafting a proposal or you need help to put your idea in the format, please contact the Ballot Preparation Committee at [email protected].