Knowledge-Based Decision-Making for an Informed Group Conscience (KBDM) is not really a new idea, but it is a different method of conducting the business of Al-Anon which has been introduced and put into practice at the World Service Conference over the past several years. It has provided the means for our spiritual principles to guide our decisions rather than a set of rules to which we must adhere.

In a KBDM culture, full discussion of an idea takes place (with background information introduced to frame the topic) before a motion is presented. Sometimes these discussions go on over long periods of time (several meetings) before any decision for a motion or action is made. KBDM requires a lot of research and information gathering before and possibly even during the discussion. At the end of a discussion, further information and knowledge may be necessary to come to an informed group conscience. A motion need not be made after every discussion. Premature action (e.g., making or amending motions early in the discussion or hastily calling the question) can divert attention from the subject at hand, thus confusing and/or delaying Conference business. With KBDM, the decision reached is usually one that most Conference members can support. (From the 2015 Conference Procedures Booklet)

Knowledge-Based Decision-Making

Knowledge-Based Decision-Making for an Informed Group Conscience (KBDM) is not really a new idea, but it is a different method of conducting the business of Al-Anon which has been introduced and put into practice at the World Service Conference over the past several years. It has provided the means for our spiritual principles to guide our decisions rather than a set of rules to which we must adhere.

In a KBDM culture, full discussion of an idea takes place (with background information introduced to frame the topic) before a motion is presented. Sometimes these discussions go on over long periods of time (several meetings) before any decision for a motion or action is made. KBDM requires a lot of research and information gathering before and possibly even during the discussion. At the end of a discussion, further information and knowledge may be necessary to come to an informed group conscience. A motion need not be made after every discussion. Premature action (e.g., making or amending motions early in the discussion or hastily calling the question) can divert attention from the subject at hand, thus confusing and/or delaying Conference business. With KBDM, the decision reached is usually one that most Conference members can support. (From the 2015 Conference Procedures Booklet)

“Just as many of us find a Power greater than ourselves in the collective wisdom of our Al-Anon group, we seek spiritual guidance for our groups in the same collective wisdom. We call this a ‘group conscience,’ the voice of the majority of members. We believe it represents the greatest good for the greatest number.”

(How Al-Anon Works, p. 110)

There are five key elements to the Knowledge-Based Decision-Making process to reach an informed group conscience:

  1. Open communication between leadership and membership (Equality)

    “We need only contribute our personal experience, strength, and hope honestly; listen to each other respectfully; refer to the Traditions; and trust a Higher Power with our groups as we have learned to trust a Higher Power in our personal lives.”

    (Paths to Recovery, p. 133)

  2. All decision-makers have common access to full information (Honesty and Generosity)

    “In order to make an informed group conscience decision, members need access to all the information about the issue they are being asked to discuss, they need clarity on what their discussions hope to accomplish, and they are asked to trust each other’s motives and capabilities. By sharing information as equals, taking time for discussion, and maintaining principles above personalities during the discussions, groups are often able to reach unanimity in their decisions.”

    (Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual 2018-2021, p. 51)

  3. Dialogue before deliberation (Patience)

    “I must consider all of the facts and examine the possible consequences. I have to learn to take time and think things through.”

    (Paths to Recovery, p. 151)

  4. We exist in a culture of trust (Understanding and Trust)

    “We start by trusting a High Power and continue by learning to trust each other.”

    (Paths to Recovery, p. 145)

  5. Confidence in the competency of our partners (Acceptance and Trust)

    “We share as equals and presume goodwill. Everyone involved has Al-Anon’s best interests in mind, even though their opinions may differ.”

    (Talk to Each Other: Resolving Conflicts within Al-Anon)

    “Concept Five contains the spiritual principle that all opinions must be heard in order to have an informed group conscience. It tells us that even though we might not have unanimity at all times, we agree to listen to everyone’s opinion respectfully—especially when there is a minority of only one or a few. It assures us that we have a right to voice our opinions, even if it’s the minority opinion. In return, members with a minority viewpoint agree that, having been heard respectfully, they agree to respectfully accept the decision of the group conscience and let go.”

    (Reaching for Personal Freedom (P-92), p. 139)

Numerous presentations have been made at various Southern California World Service Area meetings and workshops to introduce and demonstrate how to use KBDM.