Conducting Business Meetings using the Group Conscience Process

• The group conscience process is used to make decisions at all levels of CoDA. A CoDA group typically has a monthly business meeting to discuss issues affecting the group such as how to address crosstalk, what literature to buy, how to welcome newcomers, etc. A group conscience may also be asked for during a regular meeting, if a decision is needed right away and can’t wait for the regular business meeting. Anyone may ask for a group conscience at any time during a CoDA meeting, if and when immediate attention is needed to ensure the safety of an individual or the group, or to uphold the CoDA Traditions. 

• The spiritual structure of CoDA is based on Tradition Two: "For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority: a loving Higher Power as expressed to our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern." The Community Problem Solving Method (CPSM) is used in World Service CoDA and can be adapted at all levels of CoDA to facilitate group conscience decision making. It is a friendlier and more cooperative method of decision-making than the traditional “Roberts Rules”. Motions or group conscience decisions are made only after information around the problem has been gathered, solutions brainstormed and all member’s viewpoints have been heard and considered. 

• The process has four steps: 

  • 1. Identifying a problem: A member puts forth an issue/ agenda item for the business meeting. The discussion would then be open for questions, clarifications, and gathering any additional information. 

  • 2. Brainstorming: Solutions or suggestions are put forth. A common tool used by groups is a “round robin” which is a specialized brainstorming technique in which everyone takes a turn generating and developing ideas in a group. The process relies on each team member building off previous contributions by adding clarifications, challenges, and improving upon the original idea in rounds. 

  • 3. Crafting a “motion” or forming a group conscience decision: (Local business meetings do not need to make “formal motions”). At this point, because everyone has had a chance to be heard without interruption, the formulated decisions are the combined conscience of all the members present. Compromise (finding middle ground) is often reached without extra effort. At this point, the group may ask if any further discussion is needed or another round robin is needed before finalizing the decision or to clarify what is the issue that is coming to a vote. (no need to ask for “pros” and “cons” unless desired by the group) 

  • 4. Vote on the issue: Unanimity is desired, but a majority is a group conscience. If the vote is not unanimous, an opportunity for a minority opinion is offered.