What does “Conference Approved” really mean?
Is the Bible illegal? Are you aware that this is the #1 most popular book in the world based on sales. In fact, they have sold more copies than the 2nd, 3rd and 4th most popular books combined.
What about the dictionary? Do you know the meaning of every word in our Literature?
This is really where the concept began – when the founder(s) wrote books and information about the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions. Then the central office was formed to manage all the inquiries.
However, the founder of Sexaholics Anonymous decided NOT to share the revenue collected from the SA White Book (our Basic Text). So unfortunately, even though literature sales was traditionally the #1 source of revenue, now SAICO has a difficult challenge writing material they own the Copyright.
When you visit the Online SA Store you’ll notice there are two (2) distinct publishing sites. Roy K. and his estate (e.g. Iris, widow) receive 100% of the royalties. SAICO receives $0.00. SA Publications (White Book, Recovery Continues, etc.)
In addition, there is a selected list of approved AA literature. Consult the AA Service Manual for full list p.S82-3, The A.A. Service Manual, 2013-2014 Edition. AA encourages everyone to order A.A. literature from the nearest Central Office or Intergroup
Office. The General Service Office cooperates closely with these offices, which are the best resource for A.A. literature and information. For more information visit www.aa.org (services for member menu). Or contact AA Headquarters. Read more
Long before the Internet was popular, there was always temptation to publish literature in the Saturday Evening Post, Readers Digest, etc. So, AA figured this out over 60 years ago and published the AA Twelve in Twelve in 1952. The sole purpose was to introduce the Traditions.
For example, Tradition Eleven states, “Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, films, and TV.” Today, in the 21st century you can add “Internet”.
Fortunately, A.A. has established “Guidelines” compiled from the shared experience of members in various service areas. They also reflect guidance given through the Twelve Traditions and the General Service Conference. In keeping with our Tradition of autonomy, except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole, most decisions are made by the group conscience of the members involved. The purpose of these Guidelines is to assist in reaching an informed group conscience. Read more
So, the real question is, has anyone ever “Approved” the www.saphonemeeting.org besides the founder?
The answer is YES. Read more
In fact, the website never was intended to be managed by ONE person. Technically, it began with four (4) VERY important people, hence the wording “Established 2009” on our home page. It was Brian in Rhode Island, Chad in Colorado, Kelvin in Maryland and Kay in Tennessee.
The 0630 AM EST daily sobriety renewal that Brian founded was the first group to approve the website.
to be continued…