Knowledge-Based Decision-Making (KBDM)
There are five key elements to the Knowledge-Based Decision-Making process to reach an informed group conscience:
“Just as many of us find a Power greater than ourselves in the collective wisdom of our Al-Anon group, we seek spiritual guidance for our groups in the same collective wisdom. We call this a ‘group conscience,’ the voice of the majority of members. We believe it represents the greatest good for the greatest number.”
(How Al-Anon Works, p. 110)
Open communication between leadership and membership (Equality)
“We need only contribute our personal experience, strength, and hope honestly; listen to each other respectfully; refer to the Traditions; and trust a Higher Power with our groups as we have learned to trust a Higher Power in our personal lives.”
(Paths to Recovery, p. 133)
All decision-makers have common access to full information (Honesty and Generosity)
“In order to make an informed group conscience decision, members need access to all the information about the issue they are being asked to discuss, they need clarity on what their discussions hope to accomplish, and they are asked to trust each other’s motives and capabilities. By sharing information as equals, taking time for discussion, and maintaining principles above personalities during the discussions, groups are often able to reach unanimity in their decisions.”
(Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual 2018-2021, p. 51)
Dialogue before deliberation (Patience)
“I must consider all of the facts and examine the possible consequences. I have to learn to take time and think things through.”
(Paths to Recovery, p. 151)
We exist in a culture of trust (Understanding and Trust)
“We start by trusting a High Power and continue by learning to trust each other.”
(Paths to Recovery, p. 145)
Confidence in the competency of our partners (Acceptance and Trust)
“We share as equals and presume goodwill. Everyone involved has Al-Anon’s best interests in mind, even though their opinions may differ.”
(Talk to Each Other: Resolving Conflicts within Al-Anon)
“Concept Five contains the spiritual principle that all opinions must be heard in order to have an informed group conscience. It tells us that even though we might not have unanimity at all times, we agree to listen to everyone’s opinion respectfully—especially when there is a minority of only one or a few. It assures us that we have a right to voice our opinions, even if it’s the minority opinion. In return, members with a minority viewpoint agree that, having been heard respectfully, they agree to respectfully accept the decision of the group conscience and let go.”
(Reaching for Personal Freedom (P-92), p. 139)