09/07/2026
TRADITION NINE
“AA as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.”
This means AA has no governing hierarchy or authority structure—no president, no board of directors ruling over members.
Any service committees that do exist—to write, print, distribute literature, archives, cooperation with treatment centres, professionals and the general public, local and international gatherings such as the AA World Convention, the International Convention of Secular AA, etc.—exist purely to serve the fellowship, and not control it.
1. Each A.A. group needs the least possible organization.
2. Rotating leadership is the best.
3. Group secretary, treasurer, chair-people, web host, representatives to monthly meetings with other local groups, etc, are elected by group members.
4. Central offices and the General Service Office hire full-time workers where needed.
5. The trustees of the General Service Board are, in effect, our A.A. General Service Committee. They are the custodians of our A.A. Tradition and the receivers of voluntary A.A. contributions by which we maintain our A.A. General Service Office at New York. T
6. Trusted and experienced servants of the whole. They derive no real authority from their titles; they do not govern.
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