County Line Area Service Committee is dedicated to the spiritual process outlined in the NA 2nd Tradition. (For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority—a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern). As such, we have agreed to make decisions through consensus, whenever possible.
Consensus means that:
- We are open to considering all available views to a given idea.
- We can live with the decision.
- We will support each other in implementing this decision.
- We will not impede the implementation of the decision.
Any proposals that are presented by a group, committee, or member shall utilize this consensus-based decision making process.
- ASC shall explore the effects of a given proposal. This shall include:
- Value towards NA’s primary purpose
- Financial impact
- Trusted servant allocation
- Consistency of service
- Evaluation of how the proposal may affect other groups or NA as a whole
After the decision making body fully explores a proposal and all concerns and questions have been resolved or acquiesced, and it appears that consensus has been reached, then the chair will double check for consensus by asking:
”Are there any other questions, issues or concerns regarding this proposal?”
If no one speaks, then the facilitator calls for an affirmation of this consensus to formally acknowledge that a decision has been made.
If consensus cannot be achieved, the people who are not in consensus are responsible for meeting with the proposing body to negotiate the issues.
If after such a meeting consensus still cannot be reached, and a majority believes that the decision is necessary, a vote may be taken requiring a 2/3rds majority for approval.