At the 2024 ISO Delegate Conference, Area 54 (UK) moved to change the wording of Tradition 11 to read as follows:
Our public relations policy is based on attraction, rather than promotion, we need always maintain personal anonymity at all levels of public and social media.
Context
In the motion, Area 54 provided the following information as background.
The current SAA Tradition 11 wording:
Our public relations policy is based on attraction, rather than promotion, we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, TV and films.
The current wording “at the level of press, radio, TV and films.” no longer has the flexibility to cover the most commonly used forms of communication.
SAA based its traditions on AA’s ‘short form. The traditions were written for AA by Bill W before the widespread use of television and before the invention of the internet and mobile phones. In 1977, when SAA was started, the wording of the steps and traditions were reviewed and considered and some wording was changed to be more specific to SAA and to our addiction. At the time, it was recognised that TV was widely used, and was added to our Tradition 11.
In more recent years, increased dependence on the internet and the widespread use of video conferencing platforms for meetings suggests it is likely that these platforms will be used to attract members as well as to conduct meetings. As we continue to carry the message, SAA will grow and change with the years. Rather than adding another type of communication to the list, changing the wording to encompass all communication on a public level, effectively future proofs the tradition.
In 2012 (see 2012-D003 Conference affirmation of Tradition Eleven – anonymity in public media), it was agreed that fellows speaking on behalf of the fellowship remain anonymous at the level of ‘public media’. Changing the wording of our Tradition Eleven in new editions of our literature would clarify the principle of this tradition for the wider fellowship and will ensure that we recognize the ever-emerging technology around us and would be adaptable to these changes.
The “principle of anonymity” must remain our primary and enduring safeguard.
Review Period
Introducing the motion at the 2024 Conference initiates a one-year review period, after which the motion can be presented for a vote.
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