Now that I’m finishing my second year as delegate and I am finally comfortable in my role, it is time to leave. It has been said a thousand times before, by the time you understand your new A.A. position, it is time to rotate. So, why do we practice such an inefficient policy as rotation?
First, rotation allows us to accept positions as humble servants, not as experts. Bill wrote in the long form of Tradition 9 that rotating leadership is the best. When I accepted a service position, I didn’t accept it because I was great. I accepted it because I was responsible. The Big Book states our purpose is to be of maximum service. Also, I can do just about anything for 2 years. I may not have strong math skills, but I can handle the duties of treasurer for limited amount of time. Rotation allows me to confidently accept positions that I am good at, as well as positions where there is room to grow. Rotation is a spiritual practice of humility.
Second, rotation allows for team building. When I was the Secretary, I served with 4 people who previously held my position and I could ask for help from any of the other officers. As the Recording Secretary for Area 56, I was in training for the Treasurer position. As the Treasurer, I was in training for the Registrar position and I was able to help the incoming Recording Secretary with his position. All of the area office positions I held were critical in my preparation for my work as the delegate. As Bill wrote in Concept 11, rotation puts members on complete parity (p. 58 2010-2011 edition). I was not the delegate in charge of the panel. The panel was an equal team, with each officer completing the given tasks of each position, for the betterment of Area 56. Third, rotation allows diversity to strengthen our fellowship. While I brought spontaneity, creativity and a sense of compassion to all the positions I’ve served in, I was not as strong as others when it came to dependability, organization and discipline. But, can you imagine if the only people who served A.A. were creative? Or just organized? We need both skills sets. Bill’s vision was that everyone would be responsible for A.A. Finally, rotation is the manifestation of love and service. Dr. Bob summarized our program with these two words. I gratefully accept my new A.A. position so I can be of maximum service. I gratefully rotate out of my current A.A. position so I can extend, with love, the opportunity for others to serve.
Alicia R.
Panel 60/Area 56 Delegate
(or Alicia R., Spiritual Basis Group, Cincinnati, OH)
