The core of SAA recovery is its meetings, and they are normally sixty to ninety minutes long. A meeting secretary, who is usually an experienced member, facilitates the meeting. The meeting usually includes an optional opening prayer, prepared readings, an opportunity to introduce yourself by first name, and an opportunity to share your story. If you’re interested in learning more, you can attend additional meetings and register.
Three stages
SAA meetings are typically structured in three stages. This structure varies slightly based on the type of meeting. During the first stage, an experienced member known as the trusted servant introduces the SAA recovery program and the 12-Steps of Recovery. They also lay out the meeting’s structure and guidelines for participation.
| Have you tried Meetn, the new online meeting platform? It’s turning out to become a decent alternative to Zoom and to the other major platforms. |
Inappropriate messaging
During SAA online meetings, it is important to be respectful of other members’ personal space. Harassment is never tolerated, and is a serious violation of SAA’s Code of Ethics for Archivists and Equal Opportunity/Non-Discrimination Policy. Harassment may be in the form of inappropriate or offensive speech, images, or physical contact. Some examples of harassment include abusive verbal comments or photographs, disruption of talks, or unwanted sexual attention.
Trusted servant
A trusted servant is an SAA member who chairs the meetings. He or she introduces the recovery program and the Twelve Steps of Recovery. This person also provides guidelines on how to participate. He or she can also act as a source of information to the group. If you are interested in becoming a trusted servant, register as a member of SAA.
A sponsor is a person who is working the Twelve Steps with you. A sponsor will support you as much as possible while also working the Twelve Steps. It is important to honor this relationship. It helps both the sponsor candidate and the sponsee. If you’d like to learn more about sponsoring, you can visit SAA-recovery.org or order a sponsor manual.
Service boards and committees are a key part of the SAA structure. They are empowered by the member groups to make decisions on behalf of the entire Fellowship. Ultimately, the SAA Conference is responsible for making decisions related to the governance of the association. It has the final say on service issues and decisions on policies and administration.