The A.A. Guidelines represent the shared experience of A.A. members and groups throughout the United States and Canada. They also reflect guidance given through the Twelve Traditions and the General Service Conference (U.S. and Canada). In keeping with our tradition of autonomy except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole, most decisions are made by the group conscience of the members involved. The purpose of the A.A. Guidelines is to assist members in reaching an 'informed group conscience."