How do groups address problems?

Group problems are often evidence of a healthy, desirable diversity of opinion among group members. They give us a chance, in the words of Step Twelve, to “practice these principles in all our affairs.” Group problems may include such common A.A. questions as: What should the group do about members who return to drinking? How can we boost lagging attendance at meetings? How can we get more people to help with group chores? What can we do about one member’s anonymity break, or another’s attempts to attract the romantic interest of newcomers? How can we get out from under those oldtimers who insist they know what’s best for the group? And how can we get more of the oldtimers to share their experience in resolving group dilemmas? Almost every group problem can be solved through the process of an informed group conscience, A.A. principles, and our Twelve Traditions. Some groups find that their GSR or DCM can be helpful. For all involved, a good sense of humor, cooling-off periods, patience, courtesy, willingness to listen and to wait — plus a sense of fairness and trust in a “Power greater than ourselves” — have been found far more effective than legalistic arguments or personal accusations.