Compassionate Recovery meetings – yes, we are different

We get asked from time to time about some of the policies we have at our meetings that

differ from other meetings. Here’s a bit of an explanation:

Because the 4th Tradition talks about all meetings being autonomous, meetings are free

to be conducted in any manner, as long as any of their actions do not go against the 12

Traditions. Nothing our meetings do rises to the level of “except in matters affecting

other groups or OA as a whole.”

Where some people get confused is in believing that many things that are different are

somehow “against the Traditions.” Nothing we are doing consists of a break of any

Tradition. Sometimes World Service suggests certain things to meetings, but they are

simply suggestions and can be followed or not, depending on how the meeting feels

about it. 12 Step organizations are not hierarchical, meaning Intergroups don’t dictate

to meetings what they should do, Regions don’t dictate to Intergroups, and the WSO

does not dictate to regions.

The important thing to remember is the 2nd Tradition, which says that we answer only to

our Higher Power, as is revealed in a group conscience. None of the things our meetings

do were instituted by one person, but rather through discussion and group consensus.

We feel that limiting our readings to only program literature robs our members of

valuable resources that can aid in their recovery. Therefore, we allow members to do so,

as long as its evident they are not promoting anything personal. For those who would try

to say we somehow are “endorsing” whatever literature that is mentioned, this is not the

case. If that were the level for breaking Traditions, then any meeting that meets in a

church or synagogue could be accused of endorsing that religion.

Finally, this is from the OA 12 & 12 (p. 140):

“It is far too easy to use the power of the majority against groups in the minority

simply because they have chosen a different approach to working the program, and

not because they are truly harming other groups or OA as a whole by their actions.”

A WSO trustee talks about outside literature here:

https://www.oaregion1.org/board-blog1/category/traditions

For further clarification, feel free to contact John K. at kiernancdac@gmail.com.