Proposed by joy w
Issue:
I move that in our Zoom Chat and announcements we adhere to ACA Tradition 10 – Adult Children of Alcoholics has no opinion on outside issues; hence the ACA name ought never be drawn into public controversy. We should not promote focusing on non-ACA issues.
Background:
This message has been posted at our ACA meeting: “Surviving the News Women’s Support group Meets Saturdays at 4pm… In order to help cope & thrive through the firehose of traumatizing stresses that relentlessly rains down. Come join us in finding solutions, solidarity, encouragement and self-nurturing!”
An ACA meeting posting the above announcement goes against ACA Tradition 10. The news is an outside issue. This continues to be posted in the chat.
20 thoughts on “Motion 25-11: Adherence to Tradition 10”
I heard a member make the announcement of the women’s meeting. To me this is a slippery slope. Such announcements in and of themselves might be helpful and yet how does the group draw line. To me adherence to Tradition 10 to the letter is necessary to avoid controversy.
Thank you.
I heard a member make the announcement of the women’s meeting. To me this is a slippery slope. Such announcements in and of themselves might be helpful and yet how does the group draw line. To me adherence to Tradition 10 to the letter is necessary to avoid controversy.
Thank you.
I heard a member make the announcement of the women’s meeting. To me this is a slippery slope. Such announcements in and of themselves might be helpful and yet how does the group draw line. To me adherence to Tradition 10 to the letter is necessary to avoid controversy.
Thank you.
Tradition 10, as I understand it, simply says that ACA AS AN ORGANIZATION has no opinion on outside issues. An announcement at the end of a regular meeting, directed at ACA members at that meeting, does NOT espouse or represent ACA as an organization; it does not result from a group conscience of ACA as a whole. The same is true of backgrounds, etc. What Tradition 10 is trying to preserve is the central mission of the ACA organization, not the stifling of individual expression. It enjoins individuals from represnting their personal positions as ACA organizational positions.
If you don’t like the meeting, don’t go.
People were talking this morning about the snow. The weather is an outside issue.
Should we appoint ACA police to shut down any talk of weather? After all the weather is on the news.
According to our ACA open policy literature, members are encouraged to use whatever tools best support their recovery. If someone shares information about another 12-Step meeting, I struggle to see the issue. Our literature explicitly encourages members to address other addictions or problems in other fellowships before beginning ACA work. No one is being pressured to attend those meetings; the information is simply available.
From my perspective, the way Tradition 10 is being applied in this group feels inconsistent. Tradition 10 is about avoiding outside issues, not restricting personal expression. For example, if someone has a Buddha in their background because it is part of their home décor, they are not promoting an outside issue. However, using Tradition 10 to limit such basic self-expression seems misaligned with its intent.
Of course, a background that promotes someone’s business would be a clear violation. But otherwise, this raises a real question: if holiday decorations like Christmas trees or other personal items are permitted, then why are some forms of expression allowed while others are not?
That is the core concern I want to understand: why can some people share their backgrounds freely while others cannot?
In our past there were occasions of Confederate flags, maga- esque red caps and labels of ‘patriot’ which led to the statement in our guidelines that speaks of tradition 10 and images related to outside issues.
I think the patriot you speak of was a sports team and not political.
Can you define “open policy literature” and source from ACA?
Can you define “open policy literature” source/cite?
Thank you everyone for the thoughtful comments.
I would like to point out before we go too far in another direction, in my opinion, this issue is NOT about literature.
There is no mention of literature in the Motion.
The question at hand – can a member of SMR announce an invitation to a gathering for women to discuss their disregulation, challenges and strategies for coping with traumatic current events.
I mean, that’s what came across to me when I heard the announcement. That was my interpretation.
What’s more, it was stressed that the gathering was a supportive fellowship activity, not an ACA meeting.
Now, I ask myself… if this were an invitation to a gathering for women to discuss their disregulation, challenges and strategies for coping with traumatic events from there childhoods, would I have any concerns about outside issues? What is the distinction between addressing childhood trauma as opposed to current traumatic events?
Yes, perhaps the announcement could have been worded differently.
I think the important point was that this gathering was intended to be a WOMEN’S support group which would be the biggest distinction from our ‘parking lot’ space which is open to all.
Again, in my opinion the issue focusses on fellowship, not literature.
Responding to 12/5, 10:13am. I see posts below (when you read them) are about Tradition 10, and how it is defined through literature in ACA. Also, I see a post giving the source/ citation as to where the info came from, as to not be confused with “opinion”. Lastly, I see one comparing AA and ACA, as it appears that many confuse the two.
It all seems perfectly relevant as it discusses outside issues.
Let’s not dismiss comments so one can argue the point in the Motion and not include all the comments. All voices and comments are important and just as valid, which should be heard.
Good luck.
Sources/cites for the two posts about Traditions and ACA vs AA.
ACA & AA Source Citation Summary
Accurate Page References for BRB, SMR, WSO Handbook, and AA 12&12, ACA & AA
Source Citation Summary
This document provides accurate, citation-ready references for ACA and AA materials related
to Tradition Ten, Tradition Six, outside literature use, and identity protection.
1. ACA
Fellowship Text (BRB) – Page Ranges
• Suggested Meeting Guidelines – Pages 563–570
Guidance on ACA-approved literature, outside literature, group conscience, and identity
protection.
• Tradition Six – Pages 395–399
Explains why ACA cannot endorse outside programs, authors, or therapeutic models.
• Tradition Ten – Pages 409–412
ACA neutrality on outside issues and avoiding controversy or alignment with outside
methods.
2. Strengthening My Recovery (SMR) – Relevant Readings
• Tradition Six readings – Approximately June 6–10 and December 6–10
Themes: endorsement avoidance, identity protection, and boundaries with therapy models.
• Tradition Ten readings – Approximately October 10–15
Themes: neutrality on outside issues and limits on outside literature.
• ACA Identity & Outside Influence – Common in January–March
Themes: ACA is distinct from therapy; importance of ACA concepts (Laundry List, Inner
Child, Reparenting).
3. WSO Meeting Handbook – Literature Policy
• Section: “Use of Literature in Meetings”
(Online/public document; page numbers vary.)
Defines: ACA literature preferred, outside literature allowed with group conscience, must not
conflict with ACA program, must be identified as outside material.
4. WSO Literature Committee Guidelines
Typically found in Annual Business Conference (ABC) Delegate Binder.
• Literature Committee Charter – Pages 3–6
• Style & Content Guidelines – Pages 25–35
• Evaluation Criteria – Pages 40–60
Themes: protect ACA identity, avoid therapy-model dependence, ensure alignment with ACA
Steps, Traditions, and Solution.
ACA & AA Source Citation Summary
Accurate Page References for BRB, SMR, WSO Handbook, and AA 12&12
5. AA Tradition Ten – Comparison Reference
• AA Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions (12&12)
Tradition Ten begins on page 129 (edition-dependent).
Summary
These citations provide accurate source references for committees, Intergroups, or meeting
documents requiring precise verification of ACA policy foundations regarding outside literature
and Tradition Ten.
I believe this group should have clear guidelines for the meeting and the parking lot.
People should understand the after meeting (parking lot) is not part of the meeting itself. Or is it? That’s probably another Motion (to clarify and vote on as a group).
Did this breach of Tradition occur in the meeting or in the after meeting/ parking lot?
My experience is that the after meeting (for lack of a better name), I see it as the “parking lot”. A place where people go to talk about things— same as one would in the parking lot of the church after the meeting. If my understanding is incorrect, that would be helpful to know.
In the parking lot, I may mention something helpful to a friend (or newcomer) that works for me. Yet I may not mention it exactly the same way as I would in the meeting, nor would I knowingly break Tradition .
The parking lot is a bit looser. I do not see it as a continuation, per se, of the main meeting.
Also, realizing the differences between AA and ACA on outside literature, it feels, to me, that the parking lot is open to things that are in the footnotes of the BRB.
Maybe, as a group, we do better job of letting newcomers know the Traditions 6 & 10. Not stating it’s an “open door policy”— ACA does allow outside literature yet it must be closely guided.
My question to the Motioner is: did this incident(s) occur in the meeting or the parking lot? And what exactly was said?
The group already addressed this by defining and incorporating it into the script — not using names, photo or in their zoom window about “outside issues”. Yet I see that all the time (cat with a Buddha), dogs, sunsets, words from another program, etc.)
Maybe we need to allow the tech host or just set up the meeting to not allow pics n videos. It’s a setting in Zoom. That would solve one aspect of the issue mentioned above.
I feel we need to be consistent with how we do things. If we make one person change their name, remove emojis, etc., we need to also gently remind/instruct others who are breaking Tradition (and/or group Conscience) as well. Otherwise, it may be seen as favoritism when may be it’s just a misunderstanding of Traditions.
Relevant info to ponder
I am in favor of following Traditions. Things to consider before voting / group conscience.
ACA World Service Organization — Policy Clarification
Use of Outside Literature in ACA Meetings (Traditions 6 & 10 Guidance)
ACA Policy Clarification: Use of Outside Literature Purpose
This document clarifies ACA World Service Organization (WSO) guidance regarding the use of outside literature in ACA meetings and is intended for group conscience, Intergroup, and committee reference
1. Primary Principle
ACA meetings are anchored in ACA-conference-approved literature. Outside literature may be used only with group conscience and must not replace ACA-approved materials or define the ACA
program.
2. WSO Meeting Handbook (Public Policy)
The WSO Meeting Handbook provides the following guidance: ACA-approved literature is preferred.
Outside literature may be used with group conscience. Outside material must not be
presented as ACA-approved. Materials must not conflict with ACA Steps,
Traditions, or the ACA Solution.
Meetings must clearly state when readings are from outside sources.
3. ACA
Fellowship Text & Strengthening My Recovery (Paraphrased)
Across ACA literature, the fellowship maintains: Neutrality regarding outside issues (Tradition
Ten).
– No endorsement of outside programs, authors, or methodologies (Tradition Six). – Outside tools may support individual recovery but do not define
– ACA’s method. Meetings may supplement formats with outside readings but not substitute them for ACA literature.
4. ACA Identity Protection
WSO emphasizes that ACA’s identity is grounded in: The Twelve Steps The Twelve Traditions, The Laundry List Traits, The Inner Child & Reparenting Framework.
The ACA Solution Outside
literature must not shift meeting identity toward therapy models, religious texts, or other 12 step
fellowships.
5. Practical Application for Meetings Groups choosing to use outside literature should: – – Approve the material by group conscience.
– Clearly identify readings as outside and not ACA-approved.
– Maintain ACA-approved literature as
the primary focus.
– Avoid endorsement of outside authors or programs.
– Ensure adherence to
Traditions 6, 10, and 11. 6.
Summary
ACA permits supplemental use of outside literature when guided by group conscience and anchored in ACA-approved materials and identity.
ACA does not prohibit outside readings but establishes clear guardrails to preserve fellowship integrity.
* for point of clarification… a comparison of AA vs ACA on this tradition will follow.
There seems to be some confusion with this motion. Surviving the News and SMR are two different meetings. Using one meeting to file a Motion utilizing a different meeting seems against Tradition itself.
Can the person clarify what the reference means/ its usage?
If there is something specific the Motioner would like to accomplish for background info, could you please restate it without the use of a different meeting?
I need clarity.
ACA World Service Organization — Policy Clarification
Use of Outside Literature & Tradition Ten (ACA vs AA Comparison)
ACA Policy Clarification: Outside Literature & Tradition Ten Comparison Purpose
This document provides ACA’s policy clarification on the use of outside literature and includes a comparison between AA and ACA Tradition Ten.
1. Tradition Ten (AA vs ACA) Comparison AA Tradition Ten:
AA Tradition 10:
“Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.”
ACA Tradition Ten:
“Adult Children of Alcoholics has no opinion on outside issues; hence, the ACA name ought never be drawn into public controversy.”
Key Differences:
1. Scope of ‘Outside Issues’
AA focuses on alcoholism and sobriety, so outside issues generally refer to politics, religion, medications, and public controversy.
ACA includes broader emotional recovery issues (trauma, family systems, psychological frameworks), so outside issues also include therapy models, trauma literature, and psychological
theories.
2. Identity Protection
AA identity is anchored in sobriety and the 12 Steps.
ACA identity includes the
Laundry List, inner child work, and reparenting—making it more vulnerable to being overshadowed by therapy models or psychological movements.
3. Outside Literature Use
– AA meetings rarely use outside literature and generally discourage it.
– ACA allows supplemental outside literature with group conscience when clearly identified as outside material.
4. Risk Profile
– AA’s main risk is public controversy or being seen as endorsing outside causes.
– ACA’s risk includes dilution of ACA identity, replacement of ACA language with therapy
terminology, and endorsement of specific trauma programs.
5. Meeting Autonomy
Both fellowships allow group autonomy, but ACA emphasizes guardrails to prevent identity loss
because ACA meetings sometimes gravitate toward therapy-like content.
2. Primary Principle
(ACA)
ACA meetings should remain anchored in ACA-approved literature. Outside readings may only supplement ACA content and must not replace ACA materials or shape ACA doctrine.
3. WSO
Meeting Handbook (Public Policy)
– ACA-approved literature is preferred. Outside literature may be used with group conscience.
– Outside material must not be presented as ACA approved. It must not conflict with ACA Steps, Traditions, or the ACA Solution.
*Meetings must state when material is outside ACA. 4. ACA
Identity Protection
– ACA’s model is grounded in: The Twelve Steps The Twelve Traditions The Laundry List The Inner Child & Reparenting Framework
*The ACA Solution Outside literature must not shift the meeting’s identity toward therapy models, religious doctrine, or other 12-step programs.
5. Summary
ACA’s Tradition Ten mirrors AA’s, but applies to a broader recovery context.
ACA allows ACA World Service Organization — Policy Clarification Use of Outside Literature & Tradition Ten (ACA vs AA Comparison) supplemental outside literature with group conscience, but places stricter safeguards to preserve ACA identity.
I have not seen anything in this meeting’s chat about news. I have been attending for many years. Was this a one-off. I may not have been present.
I agree the group should stay in line with Traditions., nonetheless.
Not sure what this motion accomplishes. There doesn’t seem to be any requested action but rather just pointing out that someone interprets another meetings name as being outside of the guidelines. I think the motion needs to be reworded before it is put forth for vote.
This is how I see it too.