Proposal 2025-7 – Approval of Changes to Traditions and Concepts 

Submitted by: IG630 (SoCal Intergroup, CA, USA) 

Issue: 75% of registered ACA (ACoA) meetings are needed to approve changes to traditions and concepts. 

Background: Although ACA is a 12-step based group it’s the traditions and concepts that are the bedrock foundation on which we stand. Throughout the years our program has seen many changes and growth, we have recognized how big our tent is. From children of alcoholics to children of addiction to children of every dysfunction. We have grown to embrace varying spiritualities and none at all. We have grown to embrace the teaching and understanding of many scholars and educators the source of our issues and have recognized the solution, although similar can vary in practice. We can attend meetings where the ACA steps are read, or Tony A, or Atheist, Native American, Buddhist. We are able to be open to all aspects of recovery because we have a solid bedrock foundation. 

Resources/Implementation: Not included in Proposal 

WSO Analysis: Factors to Consider: Currently, there are no established percentage thresholds specifically for making changes to the ACA Traditions and Concepts. The general rule for significant unanimity in the “Big Red Book” is two thirds (⅔) (English BRB page 596). 13 As per the Operating Policy and Procedures Manual (OPPM), Section XIV Ballot Preparation Committee, sub-section G. “Validate and Publish the Results”, proposals are added to the ABC agenda with a 66.7% which is 2/3rd affirmative vote (excluding ‘no opinion’ votes) from registered ACA groups that choose to participate. The number of registered ACA meetings fluctuates, and as of late 2024, there were over 2,700 registered meetings. A 75% participation threshold would require over 2,000 groups to vote. Other 12 Step programs, such as AA, use a 75% threshold for changing foundational documents. 

Reference Links:
Find References linked at the end of the proposal at the ‘clickable links to the Ballot’, at the Ballot Prep Committee webpage at acawso.org/bpc