We depend on each other to stay sexually sober. Many of us have found that service is not only essential to the functioning of SAA, but it is necessary for us to stay sober. Service takes us beyond ourselves and connects us with others.

Service in SAA ranges from one-on-one outreach to the worldwide work performed by the International Service Organization (ISO). Service is a way of working the steps, especially the Twelfth Step. The paradox is that service helps us to stay sexually sober ourselves, regardless of the benefit others may receive from us.

Personal service is one addict helping another. This is the most essential way our message of recovery is carried. We perform this type of service whenever we greet newcomers or listen to others. We service by sponsoring others, visiting or writing to addicts in prison, or by taking phone calls.

We can also provide general services that help keep our groups functioning. This service includes finding a meeting place, providing public information and outreach, and producing and distributing literature. Trusted servants are needed from the group level all the way up to the international conference.

Our local meeting is the foundation of our personal recovery. Each group needs trusted servants to perform the tasks necessary to keep the meeting available to all. Some of these tasks include: chairing the meeting, ordering literature, ansewring mail and phone calls, collecting donations, and paying rent. A business meeting is held to elect trusted servants.

Many local groups join together to form intergroups. These intergroups may publish meeting directories and newsletters, organize events for the area, and provide outreach to the community.

Finally, at the international level, the ISO provides services that others cannot perform on their own. The ISO performs worldwide outreach, and helps ensure that the SAA message remains uniform. It helps new groups who are starting up and publishes SAA literature in multiple languages.

At every level of service we are guided by the Twelve Traditions of SAA. Just as the steps guide us in recovery, the traditions guide us in service.

Service is, indeed, the engine that drives recovery from addiction at all levels within SAA.