The Importance of Being Unorganized
"A.A., as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve."
The term "unorganized" in the Ninth Tradition doesn't mean chaotic or disordered. Rather, it emphasizes the importance of not becoming a rigid, bureaucratic entity. This flexibility allows the group to adapt and respond to the needs of its members more effectively.
The Role of Service Boards and Committees
While the group itself should not be overly organized, the Ninth Tradition acknowledges the need for service boards or committees. These entities handle tasks that require a certain level of organization, such as public information efforts or managing group finances, but they are always directly accountable to the group they serve.
Balancing Autonomy and Accountability
One of the beauties of the Ninth Tradition is how it balances autonomy with accountability. Service boards and committees have the freedom to operate as needed, but they are always answerable to the group. This ensures that the group's primary purpose remains the focal point of all activities.
The Role of Individual Members
Individual members have a significant role in upholding the Ninth Tradition. By participating in group conscience meetings and possibly serving on committees, they help to maintain the balance between structure and flexibility, ensuring that the group remains effective in its primary purpose.
The Ninth Tradition in Different 12-Step Fellowships
The essence of the Ninth Tradition is consistent across various 12-step fellowships. This consistency highlights its universal importance in maintaining just enough structure to be effective while avoiding the pitfalls of becoming overly organized.
Real-Life Stories: The Ninth Tradition in Action
To understand the real-world impact of the Ninth Tradition, let's look at some stories:
Story 1:
Tom, a member of an AA group, noticed that the group was becoming too rigid in its operations. He brought up the Ninth Tradition in a group conscience meeting, leading to a fruitful discussion that helped realign the group's approach.
Story 2:
Sara, who is part of a Narcotics Anonymous group, volunteered for a committee that was becoming too bureaucratic. By reminding the committee of the Ninth Tradition, they were able to streamline their operations and focus more on serving the group's needs.
Conclusion
The Ninth Tradition serves as a guiding principle that helps 12-step groups maintain the right balance between structure and flexibility. By avoiding over-organization and ensuring that service entities are accountable to the group, this tradition helps keep the focus on the primary purpose: aiding recovery.