Ever since our first German semiannual SA Convention in May 1986, we have basically applied the same methods and guidelines in our Service Committee. At the business meeting during the Convention all SA members with more than 30 days sobriety join in electing those who volunteer to be on the Service Committee.

About two years ago a requirement of a minimum of 6 months sobriety for candidates was introduced, because experience had shown that those with less sobriety tended to have slips and consequently had to leave the committee, which resulted in a much higher workload for the remaining members.

The S.C. has consisted of anything between 3-11 people who distribute the inquiries, treasurer, newsletter, literature, translations, translations-coordinator, public relations, contact to professionals, contact to SA in US, archives, and formerly tape-copying. This means that the fellowship does not elect candidates for a specific job, but just to serve.

The S.C. meets 2-3 times in 6 months for 5-6 hours on Sundays at rotating locations to discuss problems arising from ongoing work or inquiries, to take major decisions, e.g. reprinting of German edition of SA Manual, how to deal with media demands for interviews etc. Usually we have, or take, the time to get current with each other and pray beforehand. When major decisions crop up in between S.C. sessions (that can’t wait) it is a principle that the member concerned calls two other members and take a joint decision. Apart for that each member does his/her service independently.

Up to now, the term of office has been half a year, but most do more than one term. It works well, perhaps because Germany isn’t too large and we can get together quite easily, the workload is not too big or rather we have found the serenity to live with unfinished business.

Some of us have known each other for about 5 years and so there is some amount of intimacy and stability, so that it is not difficult to integrate new S.C. members. I personally get a lot out of doing the service for my recovery and growth. I go home from every S.C. session with renewed spiritual strength and trust.