One Day at a Time in Al-Anon:
Al-Anon is not an organization; it has no managers or bosses. It is a fellowship of equals, held together in close union by something called “obedience to the unenforceable.” This means that every group conducts Al-Anon’s work according to the spiritual principles stated in our Traditions, which they accept and follow of their own free will, without being directed or compelled by anyone.
“But,” someone may say, “the Fourth Tradition says each group should be autonomous. Doesn’t that mean we can run our meetings any way we want to, use any kind of literature, and generally run things to suit ourselves?”
The answer is that the autonomy granted by the Fourth Tradition is limited to what is good for the fellowship as a whole. If a group departs from the ideas and procedures that make for the greatest good for the greatest number of Al-Anon members, it takes on its shoulders the responsibility for damaging the fellowship to which all of us look for help.
When a group faces questions or problems, the answers will be found in our Twelve Traditions. That is why it is so important for all of us to know them. The health and unity of all Al-Anon depends on the cooperation of all groups.
“Each group should be autonomous, except in matters affecting another group or Al-Anon or AA as a whole.”
— Fourth Tradition