The Conference Agenda Report (CAR) is one of the primary publications distributed before each World Service Conference (WSC). It is released a minimum of 180 days before the conference (with translated versions released 150 days prior) and contains proposals, motions, and discussion topics that the NA Fellowship worldwide is being asked to consider and form a group conscience on.
The CAR serves as the foundation for Fellowship-wide participation in NA World Services decisions. It includes:
The 2026 CAR is particularly significant as it represents the culmination of a collaborative three-year conference cycle and includes the first-ever Fellowship-approved NAWS Strategic Plan created collectively by conference participants.
The 2026 CAR marks several important changes that reflect the Fellowship's evolution toward a more discussion-focused, collaborative approach:
Discussion-Focused Approach:
This CAR contains only 5 motions (3 from the World Board, 2 from regions), compared to past CARs that were often filled with numerous motions. The focus has shifted toward discussion and consensus-building rather than motion-driven decision-making. This allows for more meaningful dialogue and deeper exploration of complex issues.
Collaborative Strategic Planning:
For the first time, the Fellowship is being asked to adopt a Strategic Plan (2026–2029) that was created collaboratively by all conference participants over the course of the cycle, rather than just being presented by the World Board. This represents an unprecedented level of Fellowship involvement in planning World Services' work.
Revised CAR Survey Process:
Instead of submitting motions for specific project plans, conference participants submitted ideas for possible inclusion in the 2026 CAR survey. The survey was created collectively by conference participants working together, ensuring broader representation of Fellowship priorities.
Discussion Questions:
The CAR includes in-depth discussion questions on two major topics (Gender-Neutral and Inclusive Language, and DRT/MAT in NA) with input requested from any interested member by April 1, 2026. These aren't yes/no questions but opportunities for sharing experience, strength, and hope.
Why These Changes?
As the 2006 CAR noted (and we've been working toward since), "The Conference is a vehicle for fellowship communication and unity: a forum where our common welfare is itself the business of the meeting." These changes help us have more meaningful conversations and make better collective decisions.
| Deadline | What's Due | Who |
|---|---|---|
| February 28, 2026 | Regional and zonal reports | Regions/Zones |
| March 3, 2026 | Amendments to CAR/CAT motions and seating motions | Conference Participants |
| March 4, 2026 | Conference registration, hotel, and funding requests | Conference Participants |
| March 2026 | Finalize flight arrangements (funded participants) | Conference Participants |
| April 1, 2026 | CAR Survey responses (members and regions/zones) | All Members, Regions/Zones |
| April 1, 2026 | Discussion questions input | All Members, Regions/Zones |
| Before April 18, 2026 | Collect regional/zonal conscience on motions | Conference Participants |
| April 18, 2026 | WSC Orientation (virtual) | Conference Participants |
| After April 18, 2026 | Initial Straw Poll ePoll (72-hour window) | Conference Participants |
| May 3–9, 2026 | WSC 2026 | Conference Participants |
All deadlines are also posted at na.org/dates
The 2026 CAR Survey represents a new collaborative approach to identifying Fellowship priorities:
How Ideas Were Collected:
How the Survey Was Created:
What You're Being Asked:
The survey asks you to prioritize ideas in three categories:
Important Survey Notes:
How to Complete the Survey:
Both sets of results (individual members and regions/zones) are reported side by side to conference participants and included in the WSC minutes appendices.
There are five motions in the 2026 CAR:
Motion 1: Approve the revised IP #21, Staying Clean in Isolation
Replaces: The Loner—Staying Clean in Isolation
Intent: To update this IP (originally approved in 1986) with current Fellowship experience
Key Changes:
Financial Impact: None at this time
Motion 2: Adopt the collaboratively created 2026–2029 NA World Services Strategic Plan
Intent: To approve the results of the collaborative planning that began at WSC 2023 and continued with zonal and conference participant involvement throughout this cycle
Significance:
What's in the Plan:
Financial Impact: No direct financial impact. Future expenses will be in project plans or budgets
Motion 3: Hold WCNA every 5 years beginning in 2028, with location determined by the World Board
Intent: To have WCNA guidelines that reflect the changing nature of large events worldwide and support prudent use of Fellowship resources
Key Changes from Current Policy:
Why This Change:
Next Convention: Intended for Europe in 2028 (location being finalized)
Financial Impact: No direct impact. Future WCNA budgets will be presented separately
Regional Motion from Arizona: Regarding literature on tablets for incarcerated members
(Specific details are in the CAR document)
Regional Motion from South Florida: Calling for AI to replace human interpreters at conference and conference participant web meetings
(Specific details are in the CAR document)
How Motions Are Decided:
All decisions at WSC require a two-thirds (2/3) majority to pass, except elections. The conference uses a consensus-based process where:
The NAWS Strategic Plan guides NA World Services' change initiatives and new projects (distinct from ongoing work like correspondence, translations, and shipping). For the first time, this plan was created collaboratively by the entire conference over 2.5 years.
The plan contains four main components:
Key Result Areas: The four pillars we build the plan around (these change very little, if at all, from cycle to cycle)
Issues: Factors conference participants decided are most important to address this cycle. These represent challenges both inside and outside NA that affect our ability to carry the message.
Objectives: Goals to achieve by the end of the planning cycle. They express what we want to achieve (not how we'll achieve it). Objectives help us develop solutions that make sense in current circumstances.
Solutions: Paths to achieving objectives—the work World Services will undertake. Solutions don't include everything that might make progress on an objective, just the steps we want to take in the cycle ahead.
How Solutions Become Work:
The details of solutions—deliverables, timelines, media, etc.—are contained in project plans that appear in the Conference Approval Track (CAT) material. Sometimes the details are in charge forms that the World Board uses to give instructions to staff and volunteers.
For general projects (recovery literature, service material, IDTs), the CAR Survey helps determine the specific focus of the project at the WSC.
The plan covers only the cycle ahead (2026–2029). The solutions represent what we believe we can focus on now—often first steps rather than complete solutions to large issues.
There is always much more included in the plan than can be accomplished in a given cycle. World Services works on what has been prioritized first and communicates with conference participants about progress throughout the cycle.
Some issues and objectives carry forward from cycle to cycle with slight revisions as we make incremental progress on large goals.
The Three-Year Cycle Connection:
The collaborative planning process depends on the three-year conference cycle (approved as a two-cycle trial, 2023–2029). In a body so large, international, and multilingual, we don't have time for this much conversation, revision, and review—this much back-and-forth—if we don't have at least three years.
The 2029 WSC will decide whether to continue the three-year cycle permanently. If not approved, the planning process will need to be reconsidered.
At WSC 2026, delegates will start the planning process for 2029–2032 by discussing factors in NA and the world that may most affect NA in the years ahead. The cycle of planning continues!
Throughout the cycle, regions and zones are essential collaborators. Without your work on projects, we won't be successful. World Services will be asking zonal and regional bodies to:
Making progress on most solutions in the plan depends upon collaboration from zones and regions.
The 2026 CAR includes two major discussion topics with questions for Fellowship input. These are NOT motions or yes/no questions—they're opportunities for sharing experience, strength, and hope to help build consensus on complex issues.
What This Is About:
This focuses specifically on changes to language that describes people (members and potential members)—NOT language describing a Higher Power or the wording of Steps and Traditions (those are for future discussion).
Examples of Changes Being Considered:
Why This Matters:
Survey Results So Far:
The Key Question:
"Given that we all want to provide a safe, welcoming, inclusive Fellowship where everyone can recover (regardless of...), are we willing to explore these types of changes in our literature in order to carry the message more effectively? If not, why not?"
Project Plan: The World Board will offer a project plan in the CAT material (February 2026) to investigate changes, as directed by WSC 2023 Motion 14.
What This Is About:
How NA can help addicts who come to meetings while on medication for addiction treatment (DRT/MAT) decide to become members and find a new way of life.
The Challenge:
Why This Is Urgent:
What We're Being Asked:
Not to resolve the question of "clean" or "abstinent" (we don't have consensus and may never have it), but rather:
For Any Interested Member:
For Regions and Zones:
What Happens Next:
Listening with Love:
On these highly charged issues, can we agree to listen to one another with love, compassion, and a willingness to respect our opposing viewpoints? In this polarized world, creating an atmosphere of recovery around difficult issues may be one of our most important spiritual practices.
The CAR is one part of a comprehensive conference cycle that brings together the Fellowship worldwide to plan, discuss, and decide on World Services work.
1. Conference Agenda Report (CAR)
2. Conference Approval Track (CAT)
3. Conference Report
| Event | Date | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| WSC 2023 | April 30 – May 6, 2023 | Full conference, began strategic planning process |
| Regular CP Web Meetings | Every other month | Ongoing communication and discussion |
| Zonal Forum Meetings | Throughout cycle | Strategic planning discussions, regional collaboration |
| Interim WSC 2025 | February 28 – March 1, 2025 | Virtual meeting for essential decisions, planning discussions |
| CAR Publication | November 2025 | Fellowship consideration of motions and discussions |
| CAT Publication | February 2026 | Conference participant review of budget and project plans |
| WSC 2026 | May 3–9, 2026 | Full conference in Woodland Hills, California |
Before the CAR:
During the CAR Process:
At the Conference:
After the CAR:
Continuous Cycle:
The conference is not just an event—it's an ongoing, participatory service body that meets, creates, and makes decisions throughout the conference cycle. The CAR represents the culmination of work from the previous cycle AND the beginning of work for the cycle ahead.
All conference publications and materials are posted at na.org/conference
1. Hold CAR Workshops
CAR workshops are your primary vehicle for Fellowship participation. Schedule workshops to:
2. Engage Members
Encourage all members to:
3. Communicate with Your Delegate
From NA World Services:
For Conference Participants:
Format Suggestions:
What to Cover:
| Deadline | What's Due |
|---|---|
| February 28, 2026 | Regional reports and material for Conference Report |
| April 1, 2026 | Regional/zonal CAR Survey responses and discussion input |
| Before April 18, 2026 | Regional/zonal conscience collected on all motions |
If you are a regional or zonal delegate or alternate, in addition to the above:
Remember: The effectiveness of the conference depends on the preparation of all conference participants. The amount of information is substantial, so start early and reach out for help when needed. You can always email the World Board at [email protected] with questions.
After April 1, 2026:
After April 18, 2026:
Conference Week Activities:
Approved Motions Implemented:
Project Work Begins:
Conference Cycle Continues:
Fellowship Involvement Opportunities:
Conference Report Published:
NAWS News:
Annual Report:
Project Progress Updates:
The CAR process is not a one-time event but the beginning of three years of collaborative work to carry the message to addicts everywhere. Each cycle builds on the last, and your participation helps shape NA's future.
Your Continued Involvement Matters:
Throughout the 2026–2029 cycle, there will be many opportunities to stay involved:
The more engaged we all are, the better World Services can support the Fellowship in carrying our message of recovery.
The World Service Conference uses a consensus-based decision-making (CBDM) process rather than strict parliamentary procedure. This approach is designed to ensure all voices are heard and to create decisions that serve the worldwide Fellowship.
Consensus refers to the consent of the group—the willingness to move forward with a decision on the part of all members, rather than just a majority. However, WSC uses a form of CBDM that doesn't require unanimous agreement.
From A Guide to World Services in NA:
"Consensus is based on the belief that each person has some part of the truth and no one person has all of it (no matter how tempting it is to believe that we ourselves really know best!). The consensus process is what a group goes through to reach an agreement. It is how we manifest the idea 'together we can do what we cannot do alone' in a service setting."
Consensus is measured by straw polls and votes:
Step 1: Initial Straw Poll
Step 2: Amendments (if applicable)
Step 3: Discussion (if needed)
Step 4: Decision
The WSC Cofacilitators have several tools:
Benefits of CBDM:
Challenges of CBDM:
When Cofacilitators announce straw poll results, they use specific terms:
| Term | Percentage | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Unanimous support | 100% | Everyone in favor |
| Consensus support | 80–99% | Overwhelming support |
| Strong support | 66.66–79% | Two-thirds majority |
| Lack of strong support | 21–66% | Less than two-thirds |
| Consensus not in support | 1–20% | Overwhelming opposition |
| No support | 0% | No one in favor |
Remember: A motion must have at least "strong support" (two-thirds) to pass.
Our Ninth Concept: "All elements of our service structure have the responsibility to carefully consider all viewpoints in their decision-making processes."
The commitment to consensus-based decision making is part of the spiritual means by which we invite a loving God to influence our decisions. It requires:
Throughout the week, each participant is challenged to really listen to what is being said, to consider with an open mind what will best serve the Fellowship worldwide, and often to surrender to what seems to serve the greater good. With over 100 participants, respect, patience, and trust are required.
On January 1, 2026, NA World Services implemented a 15% uniform increase in the price of literature. This decision was driven by rising costs and the need to maintain services to the Fellowship. Understanding the reasons behind this increase—and the alternatives to raising prices—is important for all NA members.
Rising Costs:
Services Provided:
World Services provides substantial free and subsidized literature:
Digital Resources (No Cost to Fellowship):
The Fellowship's Growth Challenge:
The Basic Text:
The Original Model:
When the Basic Text was released in April 1983, the price was set at over twice the cost. Half was used for producing more books, and half for funding Fellowship support services. This model has sustained World Services for over 40 years.
World Services has already done remarkable work maintaining services with minimal staff increases despite massive Fellowship growth:
| Year | Staff | Meetings | Books | Languages | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | 38 | 11,082 | 1 | 4 | 1:292 |
| 2025 | 37 | 72,215 | 7 | 58 | 1:1,952 |
Ratio = Staff per meeting
World Services truly does "more with less" and has maintained this ability despite inevitable cost increases.
For decades, World Services has communicated that relying on literature sales to fund services is not sustainable. Reports from 1987, 1990, and 1997 all identified the same issue we face today.
From 1990 WSO Office Manager:
"There are three solutions: cut WSO activity, increase prices, or receive direct contributions from members, groups, areas, and regions. I do not know what solution you will select, but failure to increase the funds available to meet the needs of addicts around the world dooms them to an early death. N.A. is the only antidote, and only you the member have the key to its use."
Progress Made:
What's Needed:
As an Individual Member:
As a Group:
As a Service Body:
Our Common Welfare:
From It Works: How and Why, Tradition One: "One way to look at placing our common welfare first is to say that each of us is equally responsible for NA's well-being.... As each individual member relies on the support of the fellowship for survival, so NA's survival depends on its members."
It is time to start having conversations with each other, our groups, and our service bodies about the need for a shift in fund flow. For the betterment of the Fellowship, the efforts to fund services must be met with the same passion as the need for those services.
The 15% price increase helps maintain services but doesn't solve the underlying issue. The sustainable solution is for NA to shift from reliance on literature sales to direct contributions from members, groups, and service bodies. Every contribution makes a difference!
To contribute: Visit na.org/contribute
For more information: Read FIPT Bulletin #35 posted at na.org/fipt
Motion 3 in the 2026 CAR proposes significant changes to how the World Convention of Narcotics Anonymous (WCNA) is planned and held. These changes reflect lessons learned from WCNA 38 and the changing landscape of large events worldwide.
Three Major Changes:
Key Goal: Each WCNA to be at minimum revenue-neutral (income equals expenses)
Early Years (1971–1996):
First Rotation Plan (1996):
Current Plan (Since 2012):
Impact of Pandemic:
The Expectations:
The Reality:
Why the Difference?
Important Context: We're not alone in facing these challenges. AA recently held their international convention with nearly half of anticipated attendance. Event attendance prediction has become increasingly difficult for all organizations.
Event Industry Changes:
Market Uncertainty:
Every 5 Years:
Flexible Location:
Revenue-Neutral Goal:
Concern: Capped attendance limits newcomers
Response:
Concern: Loss of fixed rotation plan
Response:
The proposed guidelines (Addendum C of CAR) include a detailed site selection process:
WCNA 2028:
What Doesn't Change:
World Services is committed to many more World Conventions. The proposed changes aim to ensure WCNA can continue as a sustainable celebration of our worldwide Fellowship.
The World Service Conference has become truly hybrid since 2020, with increasing opportunities for virtual participation. Whether you're a conference participant (delegate/alternate) or a member interested in staying informed, there are many ways to participate virtually.
For Conference Participants (Delegates/Alternates):
Remote WSC Attendance:
History of Virtual Participation:
Conference Participant Web Meetings:
Scheduled Dates for 2023–2026 Cycle:
Interim WSC:
CAR Process Participation:
Virtual CAR Workshops:
Staying Informed:
Online Materials:
Electronic Publications:
Communication Channels:
Virtual Focus Groups:
How to Get Involved:
Recent Focus Group Topics:
Increased Accessibility:
Greater Inclusion:
Environmental and Financial Benefits:
Basic Needs:
Support Available:
Continuous Improvement:
World Services continues to look for ways to improve the WSC experience for all delegates, whether attending in person or virtually. The goal is to ensure that all conference participants have equal opportunity to contribute, regardless of how they attend.
The technologies that allowed us to stay connected during crisis now offer opportunity to work together throughout the cycle in new ways. The conference is evolving into an ongoing, participatory service body that meets, creates, and makes decisions year-round.
Your Participation Matters:
Whether you're a conference participant or a member interested in staying informed, your virtual participation helps ensure that our common welfare is served and that decisions reflect the voice of NA worldwide.
In 2023, the World Service Conference made a significant decision to experiment with a three-year conference cycle instead of the two-year cycle that had been in place since 2000. This experiment was approved for two cycles (2023–2029), and in 2029 the conference will decide whether to adopt it permanently.
| Time Period | Cycle Length | Reason for Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1976–2000 | Annual | Initial structure |
| 2000–2020 | Two years | Allow more time for project work |
| 2020–2023 | Disrupted by COVID-19 | Global shutdown, interim meetings |
| 2023–2029 | Three years (trial) | Enable collaborative planning |
| 2029 forward | TBD | Decision at WSC 2029 |
The Case for a Longer Cycle:
What Three Years Enables:
Critical Connection to Strategic Plan:
The collaborative planning process is contingent on a three-year cycle. In a body so large, international, and multilingual, there is not enough time for the amount of conversation, revision, and review—the back-and-forth—needed to create the Strategic Plan collaboratively if we don't have at least three years.
If the three-year cycle isn't approved in 2029, the collaborative planning process will need to be reconsidered.
Two-Cycle Trial Structure:
Key Components:
Conference Process Changes:
Project Development:
Delegate Experience:
Interim WSC Purpose:
What's Decided at Interim:
2025 Interim WSC Example:
Positive Outcomes:
Challenges:
The Decision:
At WSC 2029, conference participants will be asked whether to adopt the three-year cycle on an ongoing basis or return to a two-year cycle.
Factors to Consider:
If Three-Year Cycle Continues:
If Return to Two-Year Cycle:
The 2026–2029 Strategic Plan assumes a three-year cycle. If the three-year cycle is not approved in 2029, the planning process for 2029–2032 will need to be completely reconsidered.
From the CAR:
"We will plan for three years, but if the three-year cycle isn't approved, we will have to go back to the drawing board. The collaborative planning process is contingent on a three-year cycle."
Throughout the Current Cycle:
Before WSC 2029:
The three-year conference cycle is an experiment in evolving our service structure to better serve our common welfare. Your participation and feedback throughout both cycles will help the 2029 conference make an informed decision about the future.
Individual NA members and groups don't actually "vote" in a formal sense on CAR motions. Instead, we participate in a group conscience process—a spiritual decision-making approach that seeks to discover our Higher Power's will for the group or service body as a whole.
As an Individual:
Individual members do NOT vote directly on CAR motions. Instead, they participate in discussions that help their group form a group conscience.
What Is Group Conscience?
Group conscience is a spiritual process through which NA groups seek to discover the will of a loving Higher Power. It's not simply a majority vote or the loudest voice in the room—it's a collective spiritual decision reached through prayer, discussion, and seeking unity.
From Guiding Principles, Tradition Two:
"Group conscience is the collective conscience of the group membership as guided by a loving Higher Power. A decision is made based on as much input as possible, the spiritual principles embodied in the Twelve Traditions, and what is in the best interest of the group and NA as a whole—not simply a majority vote."
How a Group Forms Conscience on CAR Issues:
Important Points:
Typical Timeline for Group Participation:
It's okay if your group doesn't form a conscience on CAR issues. Not every group participates in every CAR process. However:
If your group hasn't discussed the CAR:
The CAR Survey is slightly different from motions:
The survey is about priorities and preferences, not formal decisions. Both individual member input and collective service body input inform conference participants' decisions.
Group conscience flows through the NA service structure in a carefully designed system that ensures the voice of individual groups reaches the World Service Conference. This process is often called "fund flow" when talking about money, but it's really "conscience flow" for decisions.
Level 1: The NA Group
Level 2: The Area Service Committee (ASC)
Important: Not all areas form a unified area conscience on every issue. Sometimes the RCM simply carries forward the diversity of group consciences from their area. That's okay—regional delegates need to know about the range of perspectives, not just a single position.
Level 3: The Regional Service Committee (RSC)
Level 4: The Regional Assembly (when used)
Level 5: The World Service Conference
| Level | Body | Carrier | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NA Group | GSR → | Up |
| 2 | Area Service Committee | RCM → | Up |
| 3 | Regional Service Committee | RD → | Up |
| 4 | World Service Conference | ← Decision | Down |
| 5 | Back to Regions | ← RD Report | Down |
| 6 | Back to Areas | ← RCM Report | Down |
| 7 | Back to Groups | ← GSR Report | Down |
November 3, 2025: CAR published
December 2025 - January 2026: Group business meeting
February 2026: Area service meeting
March 2026: Regional assembly or RSC meeting
Before April 18, 2026: Regional conscience finalized
After April 18, 2026: Initial straw poll
May 3-9, 2026: World Service Conference
After WSC 2026: Information flows back down
The Upside-Down Triangle:
NA's service structure is often described as an upside-down triangle, with groups at the top and World Services at the bottom. Authority flows UP from the groups, while support and services flow DOWN from World Services. This ensures that:
Important Notes:
Your regional delegate (RD) needs to receive regional conscience before key decision points in the CAR process. Understanding the timeline and mechanisms helps ensure your voice reaches the World Service Conference.
Most Important Deadline: Before April 18, 2026
This is when regional conscience MUST be collected because:
Recommended Timeline Working Backward:
| Date | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| After April 18 | Initial Straw Poll (72-hour window) | RD votes based on regional conscience |
| Before April 18 | Regional conscience finalized | RD must know regional position |
| Late March/Early April | Final regional assembly or RSC meeting | Region finalizes conscience on all motions |
| Mid-March | Areas complete conscience collection | RCMs need to report to region |
| Late February/Early March | Groups finalize consciences | GSRs need to report to areas |
| January-February | CAR workshops held | Groups educated, discussion happens |
| December-January | Groups begin discussing CAR | Initial conscience formation starts |
| November 3, 2025 | CAR published | Process officially begins |
Regions use different methods to collect and form regional conscience. Common approaches include:
Method 1: Regional Assembly
Method 2: Regular RSC Meetings
Method 3: Written Input Compilation
Method 4: Hybrid Approach
Before the Initial Straw Poll:
At the World Service Conference:
Important Distinction:
From A Guide to World Services in NA: "The delegate is selected by the region's group representatives and/or RCMs to act, collectively with other participants, in the best interests of NA as a whole, not solely as an advocate of their NA community's priorities."
This means delegates:
It's common for regions to have divided opinions on some issues. When this happens:
Delegates Should:
Delegates Should NOT:
Example: If a region's areas are split 60/40 on a motion, the delegate might say in discussion: "My region had extensive discussion on this. About 60% of our groups support the motion because [reasons], while 40% have concerns about [issues]. After hearing discussion here, I believe the modified approach addresses our region's concerns."
April 1, 2026: CAR Survey and Discussion Questions
February 28, 2026: Regional Reports
For Groups:
For Areas:
For Regions:
After WSC 2026, the flow reverses:
This completes the cycle of conscience flowing up and information flowing back down, ensuring that groups remain informed and connected to NA's worldwide service efforts.
This is one of the most important and sometimes misunderstood aspects of how the World Service Conference works. The answer is nuanced and rooted in NA's spiritual principles of service.
Delegates are NOT mere messengers who must vote exactly as their region directs. They ARE trusted servants who represent their region's perspective while also considering the best interests of NA as a whole.
From A Guide to World Services in NA:
"The regional delegate serves as the primary contact between NA's World Services and the local NA community. On one hand, the delegate provides information on current World Services projects to the regional committee. On the other, the delegate provides a local perspective to the work of World Services."
"During the delegate's term, they attend the World Service Conference and virtual conference participants web meetings as fully active participants, for while the delegate is elected by and accountable to the regional assembly or RSC, they are not a mere messenger. The delegate is selected by the region's group representatives and/or RCMs to act, collectively with other participants, in the best interests of NA as a whole, not solely as an advocate of their NA community's priorities."
The Consensus-Based Process:
The World Service Conference uses consensus-based decision making (CBDM), not simple vote-counting. This process involves:
A delegate who could only vote exactly as pre-instructed couldn't meaningfully participate in this process.
New Information Emerges:
At the conference, delegates may hear:
Our Common Welfare:
Tradition One reminds us: "Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends on NA unity." Delegates must consider:
Delegates Should:
Delegates Should NOT:
Scenario 1: Clear Regional Conscience Supported by Discussion
Scenario 2: Amendment Addresses Regional Concerns
Scenario 3: New Information Changes Context
Scenario 4: Split Regional Conscience
Scenario 5: Strong Regional Conscience, But Delegate Sees Bigger Picture
Delegates Are Accountable:
Regions Must Trust:
The Spiritual Foundation:
This isn't about delegates doing whatever they want. It's about recognizing that:
When Forming Conscience:
After the Conference:
The delegate's role requires a delicate balance:
| Regional Perspective | ←→ | Worldwide Perspective |
|---|---|---|
| Represent regional conscience | Balanced | Consider common welfare |
| Share local experience | With | Listen to global experience |
| Voice regional concerns | While | Seeking solutions for all |
| Accountable to region | And | Responsible to Fellowship |
This balance is what makes the World Service Conference work effectively. Delegates who are mere messengers can't participate in true consensus-building. Delegates who ignore their regions can't truly represent the Fellowship. The spiritual middle ground—trusted servants who listen, learn, and act in good faith for our common welfare—is what serves NA best.
Contact your regional delegate, zonal delegate, or reach out directly to NA World Services via the World Service Office or email the World Board at worldboard@na.org.