Group Conscience Business Meeting

The group conscience, reflecting the collective conscience of the group membership, represents substantial unanimity on an issue before any definitive action is taken. This unity is achieved through the sharing of full information, individual points of view, and adherence to A.A. principles. To be fully informed, members need a willingness to listen to minority opinions with an open mind. On sensitive issues, the Cypress Group AA works slowly, often discouraging formal motions until a clear sense of its collective view emerges. By placing principles before personalities, the membership is cautious of dominant opinions. The voice of the group is heard when a well-informed decision is reached; this process goes beyond a simple “yes” or “no” count, as it embodies the spiritual expression of the group conscience. The term “informed group conscience” signifies that all relevant information has been examined and every viewpoint heard before the group votes. This approach is also reflected in the meeting minutes, which document the thoughtful deliberation that takes place.