ACA OUTREach

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The essence of service in ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families) is to support one another in taking responsibility for our own well-being. This service in ACA is founded on the principle of "Action coming from love."  

As we engage in the process of re-parenting ourselves, we start to nurture our feelings of self-worth and adequacy. This transformation builds our trust in our ability to love and serve others. By simply being present to support and encourage other members of the program, we assist them in their journey from frightened adult children to whole human beings who can act with the spontaneity of a child and the wisdom of a mature adult. This foundational concept is the core of all forms of service in ACA, emphasizing that by uniting in service, we create a living program that offers a sane alternative to the insanity often associated with family alcoholism. (Chapter 10, BRB)  

According to ACA traditions, specifically Tradition Two, there is only one ultimate authority for our group purpose: a loving God as expressed in our group conscience. Our leaders function as trusted servants and do not act as governors.  

Tradition Nine reminds us that ACA, as such, should never be organized; however, we may establish service boards or committees that are directly accountable to those they serve.  

Examples of service in ACA include:  

• Sponsorship / Fellow Traveler  

• Group/Meeting roles (setting up meetings, greeting, serving as secretary or chairperson, making coffee, etc.)  

• Intergroup contributions (acting as group representative, secretary, handling literature, and hospitals & institutions, etc.)  

• Regional service (serving as representative, secretary, treasurer, trustee, etc.)  

• World Service Organization commitments (managing ACA history/archives, correspondence, website efforts, and public service initiatives, etc.)