What’s so special about the Structure of AA
The first 12 Step fellowship grew out of a back-to-back Christianity (non-hierarchical home church group) movement called the Oxford Group Movement in the 1930s in America, just two years after the end of Prohibition. The Oxford Groups' affiliation with the Temperance movement, was a factor in the origins of this fellowship but also in its split away from the Oxford movement early in its development. In the 90 years since, that fellowship has grown spectacularly from those few people in lounge rooms to a world-wide network of groups in over 180 nations, with membership estimated at over two million, in more than 23,000 groups and its literature translated into over 100 languages (1); and from which over 34 similar 12th-step fellowships have evolved, and a further 10 have been modeled in part upon its program (2).
In particular, was a move away from the early religious roots, so that members were free to choose their personal concept of their "greater power". As such, those fellowships describe themselves as "spiritual' programs.
"Spiritual" (ethical) in terms of living a way of life with attitudes and values that respect and care for others as well as oneself.
In this context, those with addiction problems are viewed as 'wounded spirits' in need of care, connection with community, deep listening and support to be healed - not "immoral" or "bad" people, as traditionally judged, although people with addictions can and often do behave unethically.
It is interesting to note that in recent years, trauma and trans-generational trauma are recognised as major factors behind the development of addiction problems.
It is the underlying spiritual basis of these 12-step program and structures that may resonate with Indigenous peoples.
This first fellowship's remarkable growth has been achievable with no government funding, and other a small amount of financial assistance from non-members in the first few years,, has operated since, solely on voluntarily contributions from members, and the sale of its literature primarily purchased by members.
That said, there is a limit to the amount that any individual member can give contribute in any financial year, and a limited amount of any bequest should an member die leaving a donation in their will. (3)
Indeed this fellowship, as do many other such fellowships, operate in a very different way from most associations and companies.
The fellowship has:
a simple membership requirement in that the individual can choose to belong if they believe they meet that requirement, and no-one else can refuse membership.(4)
no membership fees (joining or annual) or required papers to sign
no membership lists or records
no rules to be followed, whilst there are "suggestions" on how to act. Whilst a group can decide to ask an individual to leave if their behaviour is disruptive to that group, that is usually done on a temporary basis. But no-one or group can revoke an individual's membership from the fellowship or thier involvement in other groups. (5)
confidentiality and "anonymity at the level of public media" principles, that respect individual's identities and protect the fellowship from broader social criticisms. Opinions on issues outside the primary purpose of the fellowship are discouraged. (6)
members free to choose their home group where they may vote, but they can attend any open meeting (which means non-member observers can attend) and any members' only meetings. (7)
a "suggested" 12-step recovery program to address the member's addiction /compulsive behaviours and/or problems, which the member may choose, or not, to use (8)
no bosses (i,e. the structure is non hierarchical) and service positions are time limited such that certain roles can only be taken once. (9)
This way the maximum number of members can participate in the running of the fellowship (known as a principle of "rotation of office"). Thus people do not become entrenched in the positions that they hold. (10)respect for minority opinion as important for better information, consideration and decision making. (11)
those who serve the groups in any capacity (eg secretary, treasurer chairperson) accountable to the group i.e. they do not govern or tell other members what to do. (12)
a set of 12 'Traditions" as a guide to how the groups function. (13)
the groups as the ultimate authority for the fellowship, by sending a group service representative to quarterly service meetings called area assemblies, as well as district meetings if the groups form districts within their area. (14)
group service representatives elect an Area Committee to provide services (such as public information and professional awareness) to their area, and also elect an Area Delegate and Alternate Area Delegate to represent their Area at an annual National Conference. (15)
Area Delegates responsible to work together at the Conference to prioritise projects for the common good of the whole fellowship. ie whilst they may carry an understanding of their group's position on a particular topic, if the information presented by other delegates at the National Conference provides a broader perspective such that the area delegate considers that they need to vote, not in accordance with their group's position, they are free to do so. In this way, they do not act like politicians who are bond to vote along party lines. (16)
each member and/or group encouraged to submit topics for consideration and decision making at the National Conference, which is considered the "group conscience" of the whole fellowship.(17)
a set of 12 Concepts of Service to guide the National Conference and any member acting in a service role within the fellowship. (18)
a charitable non-profit incorporation association to provide the legal structure to support the fellowship (with a board and staff, who are ethically responsible to implement the decisions made by the National Conference, and are accountable via the Conference to the fellowship as a whole., (19)
So how has this fellowship survived and grown?
Perhaps for that very reason. It is a fellowship - a community of people who care about each other and want the best for each other. It offers help freely - no strings attached.That is something that cannot be bought. It is something to experience and to be apart of.
References:
1. First 12th Step Fellowship growth
2. Types of 12th Step Fellowships
3. Limit of Contributions
4. Requirement for membership
5. Can membership be revoked?
6. 12 Traditions Nos 10 and 12
7. 12 Traditions Nos 2
8. The 12 Steps
9 . 12 Traditions - long form No 2
10. 12 Traditions - long form No 9
11. 12 Concepts of Services No 5
12. 12 Traditions No 2
13. 12 Traditions
14. Groups as Ultimate Authority
15, The National Conference
16.. Delegates not politicians
17. Topics for Conference
18. The 12 Concepts of Service
19. National Non-Profit Charitable Association.
For a comprehensive look at how this fellowship has evolved and documented how it operates, see the Australian Group Handbook and Australian Service Manual. This Manual has been reviewed and rewritten and will be available by the 2025.
