Video Explainer

Robert’s Rules of Order for AA

Robert’s Rules of Order are adapted for Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) business meetings to facilitate a "group conscience" rather than to win debates. These modified rules prioritize unity by encouraging full discussion, protecting minority voices, and often requiring a 2/3 super-majority for major decisions, aiming for consensus over simple majority rule.

Key Adaptations for AA Business Meetings

Spirit of Cooperation: Rules are worn like a "loose garment" to prevent technicalities from hindering the group's spiritual purpose.
The Group Conscience: The goal is to discover the group's consensus, not to win, with a focus on unity.
Super-Majority Voting: Instead of a simple 50%+1, many AA groups use a 2/3 majority vote to pass motions, ensuring stronger consensus.
Protecting the Minority: If a motion passes, the losing side is often asked if they wish to speak to their position. Furthermore, a member who voted on the winning side can move to reconsider a motion.
Discussion Limits: Every member is given the chance to speak once before anyone speaks twice, allowing all views to be heard.
Structure: Motions must be seconded before discussion. The chair remains neutral, and only one topic is discussed at a time.

Commonly Used Motions in Order of Precedence

Main Motion: Introduces new business.
Amend: Modifies the wording of a motion.
Postpone to a Certain Time: Delays a decision to a specific future date.
Table: Temporarily suspends discussion on a motion.
Call the Question: Ends debate and moves directly to a vote (requires a second and usually a 2/3 vote).

Common Procedures

Point of Order: Used to point out a deviation from the rules.
Point of Information: Used to ask a question regarding the motion.
Table/Untable: A motion to temporarily set aside or bring back a motion for discussion.

Third Legacy Procedure

Used specifically for electing trusted servants, this unique electoral process encourages the "election" of the most qualified candidates, often including a "third legacy" of names from a hat if a candidate doesn't receive a 2/3 majority after a certain number of ballots, reducing the influence of factions.

Robert's Rules: Vacating the Chair

According to Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR), the role of the chair is to remain a strictly impartial moderator. If a chair feels a pressing need to step into the fray of debate or make a motion, there is a specific protocol to follow to protect the integrity of the proceedings.

Under RONR, if the presiding officer (the Chair) wishes to participate in debate or move a motion, they must follow these steps:

Relinquish the Gavel: The chair must turn the meeting over to a vice-president or the next ranking officer who has not already spoken on the issue.
The "Until Disposed" Rule: Once the chair vacates the seat to join the discussion, they cannot return to the chair until that specific pending motion has been voted on and disposed of. This prevents the chair from "dipping in" to influence the debate and then immediately jumping back into the position of authority to cut off others or rule on points of order.
Discouragement of the Practice: RONR generally discourages chairs from doing this unless the matter is of extreme importance. A presiding officer who frequently vacates the chair to debate quickly loses the appearance of impartiality required to lead.

Application in Alcoholics Anonymous Business Meetings

While AA business meetings often use Robert’s Rules as a loose framework, they are governed primarily by the Twelve Traditions and the Twelve Concepts for World Service.

The dynamic of "vacating the chair" shifts slightly in this context, and there are a number of options to consider:

1. The Principle of "Trusted Servant"

In AA, the chair is a "trusted servant" (Tradition Two), not a governor. Most AA groups prefer to reach a substantial unanimity rather than a simple 51% majority. If a chair vacates their position to argue a point, it can sometimes be perceived as an attempt to exert "governance" rather than "service," which can disrupt the "spirit of fellowship."

2. The Use of "The Minority Voice"

AA meetings place a high value on the minority opinion. If a chair has vital information or a strong conviction, they might choose to wait until the vote is taken. If they are on the losing side, they can then exercise their right to speak during the Minority Voice section. This often carries more weight and is less disruptive than vacating the chair mid-debate.

3. Practical Implementation

If a chair in an AA meeting (such as a District or Area meeting) feels they must speak:

Step Down: They formally ask the Alternate Chair to take the podium.
Speak as a Member: They identify themselves as a member of the group, not as the chair, when speaking.
Return After the Vote: They only resume the chair once the "sense of the meeting" or the formal vote on that item is completely finished.

4. The "Informed Group Conscience"

In many AA business settings, the chair may provide facts or clarification without vacating the chair, provided they don't take a side. However, the moment that clarification turns into advocacy ("I think we should do this because..."), the Robert's Rules requirement to vacate the chair should be triggered to maintain the fairness of the Group Conscience.

Download a PDF of Robert's Rules