The Twelve Concepts for World Service were written by Bill W. in 1962, and the General Service Conference approved the ‘short version’ in 1971.
AA was already 27 years old and developing rapidly, in the US and internationally. International services and publications were already the responsibility of ‘A.A. World Services, Inc.’ and ‘The A.A. Grapevine, Inc.’ was also in charge of everything to do with the magazine. Each of these companies was and is managed by administrators and directors and reports to the General Services Board as its service arms. In addition to these companies, there are five permanent committees that help the Council to fulfill its mission.
The structure of Alcoholics Anonymous has grown always with restraint (sometimes too much) to keep up with the ever-increasing structural needs of the community.
Bill W. and some experienced and dedicated Headquarters staff had the experience and wisdom accumulated in 27 years of dedicated commitment to the growth of A.A. and to dealing with the growing pains of a community, while keeping the focus on bringing, as effectively as possible, a message of hope to the alcoholic who still suffers. Bill W. were well aware that if they didn't benefit from this experience and teaching, they would inevitably repeat old mistakes with undesirable consequences.
This is how the Twelve Concepts for World Service came about in 1962. They constitute guidelines for structure, service responsibility and decision-making at all levels of A.A., from the group to the General Service Conference. They emphasize the importance of unity, cooperation, responsibility in service and trusted servants.
The Twelve Concepts are rooted in the spiritual principles of A.A., in the practice of the Steps and the Traditions. They inspire us to serve animated by spirituality. In the practice of honesty, humility, tolerance and the all-important Unity.