“Throughout our structure a traditional “Right of Appeal” ought to prevail, so that minority opinion will be heard and personal grievances receive careful consideration.”

Just because a minority exists does not mean that the minority gets ignored. Responsible recovery requires that we go out of our way to ensure that the minority gets ample opportunity to express its thoughts and feelings. We must avoid the tyranny of the majority. We must protect the minority. It is the responsibility and the duty of the minority to be sure that they are heard and are not intimidated through fear of being rejected. The process is that those expressing minority opinions are given another opportunity to speak. Then, the chair asks if anyone desires to change their vote. If so, a new vote is taken. After the new minority has had every opportunity to be heard, it ends (SA Service Manual 2026, chapter 12, page 2). 

“Responsible recovery” means the minority’s opportunity to express its thoughts and feelings must be protected. The minority has a duty to speak and not be intimidated by fear of rejection.

Starting with the last half, “personal grievances”, we read  “… and personal grievances receive careful consideration.” A grievance is a complaint or cause for distress. “Consideration” means given careful thought or taken into account. The right of appeal applies to a personal grievance of a trusted servant so that he or she may bring a complaint directly to the Board of Trustees without fear of reprisal.

“Throughout our structure” refers to every level of service where decisions are made. Whether in a home group or at home in our families, we can apply Concept Five.

In Concept Five, the word “appeal” refers to the process of challenging the outcome of a vote (or decision), giving members with the minority opinion a second opportunity to express their views.

“Minority” refers to fewer than half of the voting members, or when substantial unanimity (two-thirds approval) is required, the one-third of members voting against a motion. 

“Tyranny” – oppressive power, such as a government in which a single ruler has absolute control. SA Tradition Two clearly states: “Our leaders are but trusted servants. They do not govern.”

“The process”: Following a non-unanimous vote, the minority of voters are called on one at a time and asked if they would like to speak further in defense of their position. After each voter is polled, the chair asks if anyone wishes to change their vote. If so, a new vote is taken. If this changes the outcome, the new minority is allowed to be heard. There are many instances where hearing the minority opinion has changed the outcome of a decision.

Discussion:

The “Right of Appeal” is a process that ensures the voting body has as much accurate information as possible. Everyone benefits by getting a broader perspective. The majority and minority voters all get the opportunity to listen carefully and practice patience and tolerance for other viewpoints. 

This step protects the minority opinion and allows all voters to pause long enough to check themselves for fear, prejudice, resentments, anger, or anything that might be in the way of good, kind, and loving judgment. The unwritten assumption is that Higher Power’s will is found through the group conscience.  Also unwritten is the idea that the final decision will be respectfully accepted and honored by all, with none harboring resentments or ill will. 

The idea that those with the minority opinion have a responsibility to state their objections is important. However, as stated in the SA Service Manual 2026, it seems to be telling us how to feel, implying we can control the attitude and behavior of others. The unfortunate wording in the Service Manual states: “It is the responsibility and duty of the minority to be sure that they are heard and are not intimidated through fear of being rejected.” I have the responsibility to respectfully disagree and speak my minority opinion in spite of feeling intimidated. I cannot control whether or not I am heard with an open heart. I cannot control the attitude of the majority.

Nevertheless, I believe the intent of this comment is to encourage and empower members in the minority to express their opinions. It’s the responsibility of all the voting body to be sure the minority opinion is respectfully heard and that no one feels intimidated, whether that’s the minority or the majority, when expressing their views.