LETTER from THOMAS A. SHARPE of Jacksonville, FL.
an AA Area Trustee and a member of the Policy Committee
the Finance and Budgetary Committee and the Nominating Committee.
Dear Jack:
I have read and studied Bill's "Concepts and Recommendations for strengthening the General Service Board of the Future". I am sorry I cannot fully agree with this document for my devotion and admiration for Bill is, and has been, much. But my love for the Society is also great and I shall try to express my thoughts, combined with what I think are those of my AA acquaintances.
CONCEPTS
Very good as written with a few modifications to adjust with acceptance or rejection in Recommendations.
RECOMMENDATIONS
I -Change is ratio of Class "A" and Class "B" Trustees. This has been brought up at the Conference on several occasions and has never been accepted. I see no indication now that the AA's have taken any different view, I think our affairs have been well managed and we have made good, substantial progress, so why disrupt the balance? In my short term of service on the Board, I have realized the fine influence and stability the Non-alcoholics give to us. In case of a crisis or dispute, their value would probably be even greater.
2 - I agree with the increase in the number of Area Trustees. The number and revision of Areas to be recommended to the Conference by a study committee. Also, I agree that the selection of Trustee Nominee should be from the Area rather than a state. I have no doubt a plan for both can be accomplished that will be suitable to all. At this point, I think it well to consider the selection of more Class "A" Trustees from other than adjacent to New York. I am quite sure there are many dedicated to AA with much ability and understanding who would be willing to serve. With present day transportation, there is no reason this could not be done.
3 -I do not think it would be wise for the Board to select three Trustees at Large for Special Talents. I agree with Mr. Smith that, should we need specialists, we can enlist the services of such for the particular job.
I totally disagree with the statement of Page 8. "But we need not insist on extensive AA service experience. We would want these Trustees at Large mainly for their well demonstrated competence in their several fields of work."
We are not "Big Business". We do not control great wealth and our problems are not complex. God grant it remain such. But we deal in spiritual values and principles of infinite values. Therefore, I think the selection of any servant of AA should be with this in mind.
4 - Will discuss with V.
5 -I'm not sure about enlarging the nominating committee. Perhaps that is right and should be considered. I think perhaps some more definite method of procedure would be of value.
6 - Would not care to comment on this without know more. However, I don't see how much could be accomplished until other questions are resolved.
7 - I would think the Chairman of the GSB best be one of the Non
Alcoholic Trustees. I maintain that an Alcoholic Trustee should serve no more than four years, the tradition of rotation of service. In that length of time one could hardly familiarize himself with the duties of the job and serve long enough to be of much value.
"Mere is no regulation now that specifies that a Class "A" Trustee be the Chairman. So far, in my opinion, the best qualified have been selected and they happen to be the Non-Alcoholic. So I dunk the successors will be the best qualified for the job.
I think it would be well for the Vice-Chairman to be an Alcoholic Trustee from New York who could act as a link between the Board and the Movement.
As for the election or selection of a leader, I don't think that can or will be done. Bill and Dr. Bob, and Bill since the passing of Dr. Bob, have been leaders of Alcoholics Anonymous. In the future, I do not think that leadership will be replaced with humans. If so, they will emerge through the Grace of God and not through selection by say of us.
I like to feel the Society will continue well with that which has been given to us and accepted by the individual members and groups, names the Twelve Steps of Recovery, the Twelve Traditions and the Group Conscience speaking through the Conference.
Most Sincerely,
Tom Sharpe
February 9, 1962