Tradition 4: Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or SAA as a whole

1. Read the section on Tradition Four in Sex Addicts Anonymous pages. 82-84.
What are my first reactions to the words of this tradition and what I read?



2. Read the paragraph starting with "Our basic and most important vehicle".
A
  1. What is that important vehicle?
  2. What and how many people define a meeting?
  3. Who are meetings not created by?
  4. Who starts an SAA meeting and how are they governed?
  5. Why does this process work so well?
  6. What does Autonomy go hand in hand with?
  7. What do we take responsibility for?




B
  1. How much do I want someone else to do the work of starting and keeping a meeting going?
  2. If I have an unusual schedule, have I asked if others could meet with me at a different time?
  3. If I have legal restrictions on where I can meet, have I looked for a place where I could meet?
  4. Have I explored the online meetings?
  5. If my native language is not the same as or if I live in another time zone as most meetings, how can I help the fellowship bridge the gap?




3. Read the paragraph starting with "We have the freedom".
A
  1. What do we have the freedom to do?
  2. What meeting formats are listed in this paragraph?
  3. What may groups create?
  4. What do we ensure by having so many meeting types?




B
  1. Why do we have so many meeting types?
  2. Some people say that only one type of meeting is needed for addicts.
  3. What does this paragraph say about that concept and what is my experience?
  4. How many different types of meetings have I experienced?
  5. Have I been willing to explore these different meeting types?
  6. If there are not many meetings nearby, have I explored the many different meetings that are available via phone and Internet?
  7. What meeting format best fits me right now (knowing that I may change later) and why?




4. Read the paragraph starting with "Autonomy also means".
A
  1. What does autonomy mean?
  2. What do we react negatively to?
  3. What limits are on our freedom to experiment?
  4. What does this freedom contribute to and why?




B
  1. Has my group changed during the time that I have been going?
  2. Am I open to my group changing?
  3. Have I suggested changes that worked or have not worked?
  4. How would I know if my group is making a mistake?
  5. Comparing this paragraph with the Safe and Sexually Sober Meeting pamphlet,
  6. do I see my meetings offering a safe and sober message?




5. Read the paragraph starting with "While Tradition Four safeguards".
A
  1. What does this tradition safeguard?
  2. What does this tradition balance that autonomy with?
  3. What does each group have?
  4. What do our meetings need to be identified as?
  5. How does a group do that?
  6. What are we careful not to do?
  7. Without this clarity, what can happen to our primary purpose?




B
  1. Is my group clearly following the Steps and Traditions of SAA as written?
  2. Has my group ever done a Group Inventory (such as in the Group Guide page 30)?
  3. Does my group talk about being part of the local Intergroup, Area, or the SAA fellowship?
  4. Is my group using SAA material?
  5. Has my group used material or handed out material that came from other fellowships or therapists?
  6. Is there a way to even find out?
  7. Does my group clearly offer hope to the suffering sex addict?




6. Read the paragraph starting with "In the spirit of unity".
A
  1. What do we strive for?
  2. What do we not do?
  3. What does this paragraph say a group might do or not do?
  4. What would that deny to other sex addicts?
  5. What have we found best to focus on?




B
  1. What is to be our relationship with other SAA groups?
  2. Does my group participate in the Intergroup or Area?
  3. What is my group's relationship with other groups?
  4. Do I respect the recovery that appears in other groups even if they have a different format?
  5. What would happen if we tried to emphasize our differences with other SAA groups?
  6. What is to be our response when someone from another meeting asks us to interfere with the operation of that meeting (because they are doing it differently than expected)?




7. Read the paragraph starting with "We are also conscious".
A
  1. What are we conscious of?
  2. What is our responsibility when we rent spaces?
  3. To what do these same concerns apply?
  4. What might be the result if we leave a bad impression on some outside person or organization?




B
  1. Has my group had any issues with outside suppliers or neighbors?
  2. Do we have a reputation for non-sobriety or a place where acting out happens or being a place where new sexual partners are found?
  3. How can I help the group focus on sobriety?
  4. How does a focus on sobriety fix issues with low membership, lack of funds, or lack of volunteers to serve the meeting and the rented space?




8. Read the paragraph starting with "The Twelve Traditions of SAA".
A
  1. What do these traditions provide?
  2. What does each group have an obligation to do?
  3. What does this paragraph say is the result of following Tradition Four?




B
  1. Are we seeking the spiritual principles of the Steps and Traditions?
  2. What is our understanding of the spiritual principles of the Steps and Traditions?
  3. How does keeping the focus on providing recovery allow us more freedom to experiment?
  4. How can our push for unity while vastly different help both the group, the Intergroup, and the fellowship as a whole?




C
  1. What implications does this Tradition offer for spirituality?
  2. How can I apply this Tradition in my community, in work, or in my family?