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~ 2006 Form ~
Why It Works: 12 Traditions
TRADITION FOUR
"Each
group should be autonomous, except in matters affecting other groups or NA as a
whole."
For the purpose of this tradition, �autonomy� can be thought of as a
group�s right to independence and self-government - with respect to its own
affairs. Just as there is no human authority to govern our membership, neither
is there a bureaucracy to supervise our groups. Group autonomy is an extension
of the freedoms offered us in NA. The Twelve Steps help us gain freedom from the
horrors of our addiction, the perils of our past, and the defects of our
character. Autonomy, united with other traditions, helps us maintain our
freedoms of membership and expression, collective diversity, and spiritual
independence.
The
flexibility that is inherent in the autonomy we speak of in this Tradition is
very important. It allows for innumerable variations in format, service
opportunities, etc. so that every addict can feel comfortable in finding a home
group. The important thing is that the NA message and the atmosphere of recovery
be provided.
One of the privileges of having a home group is assisting with the decisions that concern the group. We are able to use our creative energy to serve. For example, we can choose our formats, our literature and our trusted servants. We are part of, depended on, and valued members. The Fourth Tradition ensures that we respect our fellowship as a whole, in order to keep a clear message of recovery. We choose our formats any way we want them, keeping in language conducive to recovery in the NA fellowship. Sharing celebrations of recovery in the NA fellowship being concise not to affiliate. We can choose our trusted servants and we can even write how we want our trusted servants to carry our conscience. We can print our own literature, respecting our seventh tradition while keeping in mind our literature is approved and we should not change the wording or context. We are able to form our groups with our newly found freedom. We become one of the constants in the newcomer�s eyes. We surrender to group conscience and the principle of the Fourth Tradition in unity with NA as a whole.
Each group is
self-governing and periodically chooses members to become trusted servants. It
is the responsibility of a group to carry the message of recovery to the still
suffering addict. It is the responsibility of a group member to support, not
only physically, but also spiritually and emotionally. If we ware instruments of
God's will, and God is present in our group conscience, then why should we not
support our group not only by placing money in the basket, but by getting
involved in the affairs of the group.
So long as we continue to rely on the power of a loving God to influence our
decisions and their outcomes, we need not establish any codes of conduct for
either our groups or our members. This is where the spiritual conscience of a
group becomes indispensable. Group conscience authenticates true autonomy, and
autonomy works most efficiently when this principle is inclusive to the spirit
of our collective Steps and Traditions. Experience has shown us that when
adversity strikes a group, and our focus is placed on the solution of our Twelve
Steps and Twelve Traditions, the problems solve themselves. In this way, we
express our faith in NA as a self-correcting program.
Personal preference must never be
allowed to interfere with group conscience or what is good for the group as a
whole. We must examine our personal preferences to see where they are coming
from. Usually it is a matter of ego and therefore must be put aside. While we
have a right to our feelings and our expression of those feelings, it is one of
the great principles that we do not impose our will on others, depriving them of
their say in the matter of their lives. Integrity is a matter of doing the right
thing and standing up for the Traditions of NA regardless of personal
preferences. Integrity is something that we cannot allow to be compromised.
Just as group autonomy does not justify a disregard for other
Traditions, neither does it justify retaliation. If members think a group has
deviated, it is imperative that we understand that each group has the right to
be wrong. If our Traditions were enforceable, they would no longer say we
�ought,� they would say you �must.� There are no musts in NA, in any
absolute sense of the word. Even our Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions are only
suggestions that neither the individual nor the group must strictly adhere too.
Many have argued that this philosophy may spell disaster for both the group and
even NA as a whole, but they are later astonished when this was not the case.
Though some groups have strayed from NA tradition over time, once it begins to
affect their members� personal recovery or NA as a whole, either the group
will wither and die, or group opinion will snap it back in line. Even in such a
case, a groups� autonomy is held inviolate.
�So then,� you might ask, �can a group decide to do absolutely anything
they please?� The answer is, restrictively, �Yes, as long as it is in
respect to its own affairs.� There is only one exception to the near unlimited
liberty afforded a group through our tradition of autonomy. The exception is,
that their liberty may not be exercised at the expense of severe consequences to
any other groups or NA as a whole. It is for this reason that we have developed
a service structure encompassing the principle of consultation. Such
consultation will often consist of a discussion encompassing all involved, in
order to solicit other opinions and reach a fellowship conscience, a conscience
that supports both our unity and our primary purpose.
Tradition Four tells me that each group
has some mobility within their own group as long as no Traditions are broken.
Certain groups and members wish to conduct meetings with different formats. As a
long as our primary purpose is not compromised, this is fine. With this in mind,
each group should have their GSR attend Area Service so that the group is kept
well informed as to what is happening within the next level of service. There
are a great variety of meetings within the fellowship: Open discussion, speaker
discussion, candlelight meetings, etc. This gives us the option in many areas to
choose a different type of meeting on any given night. However, no matter where
we go to an NA meeting, the message is always the same. Most of us, as addicts,
need this type of stability in our lives.
It
is part of our complete, creative freedom to exercise our autonomy. We often
consult with other members to double check our ideas of get the benefit of a
different viewpoint or members experience. The spirit of consultation is
not meant to undermine the principle of autonomy, but to be a safeguard against
its misuse. If we invite the guidance of a greater consciousness, check to
ensure our motives are inventoried, and strive to maintain open-mindedness as
both autonomous groups and consulted service bodies, we believe we can then
place our trust in the process as we seek viable solutions. Consultation is a
method by which we cultivate new thoughts and ideas that can compliment our
enthusiasm for helping others.
Questions have arisen with respect to how far the principle of autonomy can be
exercised in our fellowship. The answer is simple, it is expressed in the
wording of this Tradition; the freedom of autonomy is limited only to the
groups. Our groups, however, have created service boards and committees to
provide services, which furthers their effort to carry the message directly to
the addict. These service boards and committees are not NA, as such. They exist
solely to serve the groups and neither do they derive authority from their
service, nor do they inherit the sovereignty of the groups� autonomy. Instead,
they are the creatures of our membership and our groups. Created by our need for
services, they can be reorganized or disbanded by the groups. This may be done
by ignoring them if they are not serving or by creating new service boards and
committees as needed. Power is a mood changing drug and many are drawn to
service positions under the illusion that it grants them power over others.
In the end, so long as the autonomy of our groups is focused on carrying the
message of hope and freedom found in Narcotics Anonymous and our efforts are
exercised within the boundaries of our Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, the
spirit of this Tradition will always ring true. As our groups grow and find new
and effective ways of helping others, our diversity is then strengthened,
broadening our base, and raising our point of our freedom.
[11.29.05]
persons have visited this site since May 1, 2002
Reprinted from the
N.A. FELLOWSHIP USE ONLY
Copyright � December 1998
Victor Hugo Sewell, Jr.
N.A. Foundation Group
1516 B Live Oak Drive
Tallahassee, Florida 32301
[email protected]
All rights reserved. This draft may be copied by members of Narcotics Anonymous for the purpose of writing input for future drafts, enhancing the recovery of NA members and for the general welfare of the Narcotics Anonymous Fellowship as a whole. The use of an individual name is simply a registration requirement of the Library of Congress and not a departure from the spirit or letter of the Pledge, Preface or Introduction of this book. Any reproduction by individuals or organizations outside the Fellowship of Narcotics Anonymous is prohibited. Any reproduction of this document for personal or corporate monetary gain is prohibited.
Last update March 27, 2007