Tradition 09

(short) A.A., as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
(long) Each A.A. group needs the least possible organization. Rotating leadership is the best. The small group may elect its Secretary, the large group its Rotating Committee, and the groups of a large Metropolitan area their Central or Intergroup Committee, which often employs a full-time Secretary. The trustees of the General Service Board are, in effect, our A.A. General Service Committee. They are the custodians of our A.A. Tradition and the receivers of voluntary A.A. contributions by which we maintain our A.A. General Service Office at New York. They are authorized by the groups to handle our over-all public relations and they guarantee the integrity of our principle newspaper, “The A.A. Grapevine.” All such representatives are to be guided in the spirit of service, for true leaders in A.A. are but trusted and experienced servants of the whole. They derive no real authority from their titles; they do not govern. Universal respect is the key to their usefulness.

1. Primary principle(s): rotation, leadership, service, universal respect, tolerance, understanding, perseverance
2. Other principles: democracy, respect, usefulness, patience, anonymity, altruism, constructiveness, helpfulness, honesty, humility, justice, moderation, patience, positive thinking, responsibility, trust, truthfulness, willingness, unity, right of decision, group conscience, substantial unanimity

Readings:

1. Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions - pp. 172-175
2. “A Journey Toward Responsibility -Tradition Nine” September 1998 - AA Grapevine
3. “The Deacon and the Delegate” May 1964 - AA Grapevine

Notes from tapestry:

The “committees”…we pick two or three of the (yellow) GSO Guidelines on….TFC, CF, PI, CPC, etc., and read & discuss what they share. It’s generally an eye opener for some.

Then, we turn to the most recent Final Conference Report…and again, select two  or three of the “Staff Reports” for the respective committees. This gives a wonderful overview of what really goes on behind the scenes. Some years, we also read the GSB/AAWS & GV Board reports to broaden the picture. When available, we also read the World Service Meeting Report to bring in the global view…

Grapevine traditions checklist:

1. Do I still try to boss things in AA?
   • Principles:
2. Do I resist formal aspects of AA because I fear them as authoritative?
   • Principles:
3. Am I mature enough to understand and use all elements of the AA program—even if no one makes me do so—with a sense of personal responsibility?
   • Principles:
4. Do I exercise patience and humility in any AA job I take?
   • Principles:
5. Am I aware of all those to whom I am responsible in any AA job?
   • Principles:
6. Why doesn’t every AA group need a constitution and bylaws?
   • Principles:
7. Have I learned to step out of an AA job gracefully—and profit thereby—when the time comes?
   • Principles:
8. What has rotation to do with anonymity? With humility?
   • Principles: