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Remove the Term AWOL from the FA-WSI Bylaws - 2022 WSBC Motion


MOTION:

The World Service Board moves that the term AWOL be removed from the FA-WSI Bylaws and that AWOL-referenced service requirements be replaced with the phrase “and be actively engaged in an in-depth study of the Twelve Steps as related to food addiction.”

CURRENT WORDING:

Article II section 3(c): defines the term AWOL

A Way of Life, or AWOL, is a comprehensive method of studying and working the Twelve Steps of FA in sequence. 

The long-term personal recovery of AWOL participants led to the founding of FA, therefore, AWOL meetings and the personal recovery they have engendered must be acknowledged and supported in order for FA to survive.  

AWOLs are not FA. AWOLs have leaders, and require of participants abstinence and the acceptance of defined commitments. 

Article III section 2(b) regarding service as a WSC member

In order to serve as a WSC member, a member of the fellowship must have at least five years of continuous abstinence in FA and have completed one AWOL, as defined in Article II, Section 3, within the current term of abstinence.  

Article IV section 2(c)(i) regarding service in intergroups

The bylaws of the intergroup must provide the following: 

Requirements for election or appointment to office shall include a stated term of continuous abstinence in FA, and, in that term of abstinence, completion of one AWOL, as defined in Article II, Section 3 of these bylaws, as well as ongoing involvement in AWOLs during the term of office.

Article V section 3(b) regarding service for WSB

All officers and trustees must have completed two AWOLs, as defined in Article II, Section 3 of these bylaws, within the current term of abstinence, uninterrupted by a break in abstinence, and must continue to be actively involved in AWOLs during their term of office.  

Article IX section 8(a) regarding service for the Traditions Review Committee

Members are appointed by the traditions review committee chair. All members of the traditions review committee must have a minimum of five years of continuous abstinence in FA, completion of one AWOL, as defined in Article II, Section 3 of these bylaws, and knowledge of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of FA.

PROPOSED WORDING: (new language is italicized)

REMOVE THE TERM AWOL from the bylaws. 

Completely remove Article II section 3(c) (the definition of AWOL)

Article III section 2(b) regarding service as a WSC member:

In order to serve as a WSC member, a member of the fellowship must have at least five years of continuous abstinence in FA and have completed one in-depth study of the Twelve Steps as related to food addiction within the current term of abstinence.  

Article IV section 2(c)(i) regarding service in intergroups

The bylaws of the intergroup must provide the following: 

Requirements for election or appointment to office shall include a stated term of continuous abstinence in FA, and, in that term of abstinence, completion of one in-depth study of the Twelve Steps as related to food addiction, as well as ongoing involvement in the same type of Twelve-Step study during the term of office.

Article V section 3(b) regarding service for WSB

All officers and trustees must have completed two in-depth studies of the Twelve Steps as related to food addiction within the current term of abstinence, uninterrupted by a break in abstinence, and must continue to be actively involved in the same type of Twelve-Step study during their term of office.  

Article IX section 8(a) regarding service for the Traditions Review Committee

Members are appointed by the traditions review committee chair. All members of the traditions review committee must have a minimum of five years of continuous abstinence in FA, completion of one in-depth study of the Twelve Steps as related to food addiction, and knowledge of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of FA.

What is the purpose of this motion, and how will it strengthen the effectiveness of WSI/FA service? 

Inclusion of the term AWOL in the FA bylaws is confusing since the bylaws also state that “AWOLs are not FA.” Members have often asked why AWOL is referenced in the FA bylaws at all. Requiring completion of an AWOL for service positions adds to the confusion and discrepancy.

When the bylaws were written over twenty years ago, the term AWOL had a distinct meaning. It referred to a closed-group study of the Twelve Steps. AWOL co-leaders were encouraged to created specific commitments for those attending the closed-group study. The length of an AWOL was approximately 18 months. The steps were studied in sequence and very thoroughly. The term AWOL has more recently been used to describe a large variety of Twelve-Step studies. 

Removing the term AWOL and replacing it with a phrase directly related to a Twelve- Step program will maintain the principle that in-depth study of the Twelve Steps is integral to FA while eliminating confusion and inconsistency in our bylaws.

It will also ensure that the trusted servants in this Twelve-Step program have a working familiarity with the Twelve Steps they are committed to practicing and protecting.