Introduction to General Service

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The Twelve Steps, Traditions, and Concepts of Sexaholics Anonymous are adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous and provide each member with a framework for service.

Early in the history of SA, it was established that the least amount of organization necessary for the functioning of SA would be a guiding principle. SA has adopted the A.A. principle that each member involved in service and those elected to positions of responsibility are designated as trusted servants without any governing authority. An inverted pyramid of accountability would be the foundation on which service is built. When issues arise, final authority always rests in the collective group conscience of the fellowship. A group conscience can be defined as the will of those present at any meeting of the fellowship. When doubt and indecision are apparent, the international group conscience always prevails.

How Can Service Help Me?

 It is often stated in SA program circles that those committed to service find true sobriety. Active members have discovered many rewards, including hope, faith, courage, peace of mind, self-respect, self-confidence, the respect of others, a clear conscience, real friendships, a clean pattern of life, the love and understanding of their families, and the freedom of a happy life.

What Can a Newcomer Do To Get Involved in Service?

Much of what follows is the result of a group conscience that asked the above question and was seeking answers as to how the group and Intergroup might carry the message more effectively to the newcomer. Experience has shown us that doing many of these things will assist the newcomer in establishing a new simple life style which focuses on a desire to stop lusting. Using service as a tool of recovery helps in the removal of obsessive thinking by focusing outside oneself.

Some suggestions for service follow.

Early Days

• Stay sober.
• Join a home group.
• Attend meetings regularly.
• Work the Steps.
• Set out and put away literature before and after a meeting.
• Obtain telephone numbers and call someone instead of acting out.
• Get a sponsor. Give a sponsor an opportunity for service, too!
• Anniversary Meetings—volunteer to set up, breakdown, and cleanup after.
• Attend marathons, help setup and cleanup; prepare and serve food.
• Walk up to an unfamiliar face and introduce yourself.
• Arrive at meetings early for fellowship and participate in fellowship after meetings.
• Attend International conventions; meet other newcomers.

Progressive Victory

• Work the Steps.
• Chair a meeting.
• Chair a month of meetings.
• Support meetings with low attendance.
• Attend business meetings.
• Become secretary and/or literature supplier for local group.
• Participate in prison / institutional service commitments.
• Repeat all of the Early Days suggestions.

Continuing the Work

• Work the Steps.
• Become Treasurer
• Serve as chair of an annual fellowship function.
• Sponsor others.
• Attend Intergroup meetings.
• Volunteer for telephone service.
• Lead a meeting at marathons, speaker jams, and international conferences.
• Become an Intergroup representative.
• Carry the message—contacting helping professionals.
• Learn about the Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts.
• Attend regional meetings.
• Read the Essay newsletter.
• Write articles for Essay and other SA publications.
• Chair Intergroup committees.
• Become a long distance sponsor by phone or email.
• Sponsor an inmate through the Twelve Steps by Sponsor By Mail program.
• Host a meeting in an institution.
• Repeat previous suggestions.

All of the above suggestions are options that can be carried out on a daily basis for all members. An addict often faces challenges with focus. Choose carefully but choose!