Tradition Nine is based on the idea that the group relies on spiritual principles rather than conventional methods of organized management.  S.A.A. is founded on the idea that sex addicts get together to help other sex addicts recover.  In order for this to work, we need to all be equal members in S.A.A.  Not being organized means that we have no membership rules or committees, that we have no disciplinary action if a rule is broken.  There is no one who has authority over anyone else.  We each have our own freedom and responsibility within the group.  And for us, this is a gift of S.A.A.  So, we keep everything as simple as possible.  We can give whatever structure we want to our meetings to facilitate our recovery.  This part of the tradition helps remind me that I am just one of the members and that we are all here for the same reason, to get and stay sober. 

However, there are practical matters that need to be addressed: rent, phone lines, literature, etc….  If we were to handle these issues within the group, the message of the group would be compromised.  For this reason we create service boards or committees.  These service boards and committees need to remain accountable to those they serve.  All of their actions need to be directed by the group’s conscience, the group’s members.  Typically these committees are handled through a business meeting that is set up after the regular meeting.  In addition there are Intergroups that are set up to represent the interests of more than one group.  And then there is the International Service Organization which represents S.A.A. as a whole.  This entire service structure is set up based on the ninth tradition and answers back to the members of S.A.A.  Also, Tradition Nine protects the members and the group from any abuse of power that might exist because the group’s members determine the actions of the group through group conscience decisions and keep the committees responsible to those they serve. 

Being part of this service structure has been a wonderful experience for me and a great way for me to give back to the fellowship that helped get me sober.  I have enjoyed helping be part of the group conscience decisions and helping to do what I can on the service committees so that our group can continue to carry the message of S.A.A.