TRADITION NINE

 

Definition of Tradition: guidelines for relationships between groups, members, other groups, the global fellowship, and society at large.
Synonyms of Tradition: guideline, principles, practice, etc.

These notes are from recovery in AA and/or related 12 step programs.
Readers are encouraged to click external links for more detail.
We hope you find them helpful.
Love in fellowship.

Tradition Nine – Structure: A.A., as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve. | More…

You might think A.A.’s headquarters in New York would be an exception. Surely, the people there would have to have some authority. But long ago –12 & 12 p.173-174 | More…

A selection of articles on Tradition 9 at AA Grapevine | More..

By creating and maintaining this atmosphere of “true fellowship” twelve-step groups ensure that even the newest members can quickly gain a feeling of “belonging.”

The most important person that walks into a group of Alcoholics Anonymous, is the newcomer, without him we will surely die as an individual and as a whole.  If we try to organize him, he will flee, after all, his life is already unmanageable. | More…

Tradition Nine checklist
Do I still try to boss things in AA? Do I resist formal aspects of AA because I fear them as authoritative?

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?

Do I exercise patience and humility in any AA job I take? Am I aware of all those to whom I am responsible in any AA job?

Why doesn’t every AA group need a constitution and bylaws? Have I learned to step out of an AA job gracefully – and profit thereby – when the time comes? What has rotation to do with anonymity? With humility? | More…

The 12 Traditions of AA are a set of guidelines for how the organization should function. They were developed by the early members in response to problems as they arose.

The 12 Traditions first appeared as a set of principles in 1946. It is unlikely that AA could have survived so many years without these guiding regulations. | More…

The Principles of the Twelve Traditions
Tradition One: Unity
Tradition Two: Trust
Tradition Three: Identity
Tradition Four: Autonomy
Tradition Five: Purpose
Tradition Six: Solidarity
Tradition Seven: Responsibility
Tradition Eight: Fellowship
Tradition Nine: Structure
Tradition Ten: Neutrality
Tradition Eleven: Anonymity
Tradition Twelve: Spirituality | More…