Tradition 2 – Episode 60

Spencer and Adrienne discuss Tradition 2, which says “For our group purpose, there is but one authority - a loving god as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants - they do not govern.” Which, when you think about it, is a pretty radical statement. Have you been in any other groups that functioned without “leaders”? What does it mean that our leaders are “trusted servants?” We start with a reading from the blog al-anon journal about Tradition 2. Our discussion was shaped by these thoughts and questions: From Courage to Change Page 215: We strive to conduct our meetings as a fellowship of equals and to practice rotation of leadership. No single member has the right to take charge. When I insist on having my way, I am tampering with the spiritual nature of AlAnon as a whole Any attempt to manage or direct is likely to have disastrous consequences for Group Harmony Why do we have this tradition? How can it work? Can it really work to have no one person deciding how things will be? What is a “group conscience?” How is it determined? Is this sort of like Steps 2 & 3 for the group? How can you use this tradition in your personal life? In relationships At work With friends How does Tradition 2 support Tradition 1 (welfare of the group comes first)? Does this tradition remind me to not “take charge”? What is a “trusted servant?” How do you lead without governing?