Fellowship Happenings
The Outer CirclE
The newsletter contains original articles and poetry about sex addiction written by members of the fellowship. It also presents news of ISO and regional activities and other information of interest to members of the fellowship. The July/August issue centers around the topic of “rigorous honesty.”
2026 Conference of The ISO of SAA
Area 79 Delegate Observations
This year 2026, the conference of the ISO of SAA was held in Rochester New York. I was able to attend via ZOOM and found the experience to be roughly similar to in person attendance - however the opportunity to fellowship with other delegates and observe the in-room interactions was decidedly missed.
Make up of the Conference:
This year there appeared to be 35 Area Delegates and 13 or more Office/ Committee voting parties. There were many other participants, non voting observers and volunteers in the room, all told I estimate roughly 65-70 people in total. Consider the number of voting delegates from worldwide areas - 35, there are over 90 areas in that the International Service Organization serves - slightly over 38% were represented. Of the International area’s four were clearly present - France, Francophile-online, South Africa and The UK. The remaining delegates were substantially United States Area delegates.
2026-D001 – Motion to change Tradition Eleven
Move to change the wording of Tradition Eleven to read as follows:
“Our public relations policy is based on attraction, rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity across all public platforms.”
[Note: The proposed new wording is underlined.]
The Vote:
40 in Favor 8 Opposed - The Motion Passes
Observations: Substantially it appears that most arguments are in favor - there a few opposed with the thought that the current scope is sufficient and that the language may not be future proof as hoped.
Move that the Bylaws of the ISO of SAA, Inc., Article V, Section 9, be amended to read:
"SAA literature shall be designated as Conference approved upon submission by the
ISO Literature Committee and affirmative vote of two-thirds of the delegates voting
at a meeting of the ISO Conference. Conference approval is the highest standard
and ultimate goal for all SAA recovery literature. Any substantive revision of the
content of Conference-approved literature must receive Conference re-approval
prior to printing as Conference-approved literature. Only the Literature Committee
can submit literature to the Conference for approval.”
[Note: The proposed added wording is underlined.]
The Vote:
42 in Favor 7 Opposed - The Motion Passes
Observations :
Move that the ISO Conference Charter be amended as follows:
1. In Section II, remove the words “in proportions to be determined by the Conference.”
2. In Section IV, in the second paragraph under the heading "Conference Relationship to the Board of Trustees," replace the words "binding upon" with "a directive to.”
3. In Section IV, in the fifth paragraph under the heading "Conference Relationship to the Literature Committee," replace the words "substantial unanimity" with "a majority vote.”
4. In Section VI, remove the third paragraph.
5. In Section VI, in the first sentence of the fourth paragraph, remove the words "Conference" and “as those committees are established, and add “within the ISO service structure" after the words “one or more committees.”
The Vote:
ø in Favor ø Opposed - There was a motion to commit - that was seconded so this was sent back to committee
Observations :
Move that ISO Conference approval be rescinded for the pamphlet “Writing to Prisoners.”
The Vote:
48 in Favor 0 Opposed - The Motion Passes
Observations : There is a new pamphlet ready to go to publishing - this one needed to be withdrawn to move the new item to review and final confirmation.
Lots of changes to the pamphlet - lots of language revisions and more direction on sponsorship
Move that the ISO Conference approve the pamphlet “An Intimacy and Sexual Avoidance-Focused First Step.”
The Vote:
30 in Favor 18 Opposed - The Motion Failed to meet a ⅔’s majority (32)
Observations : There was an amendment proposed from the floor to make this new document more language friendly based on a view that there was content not sex positive. This amendment failed to meet the ⅔’s requirement on a 23/25 vote, so the motion returned to the floor un-amended and vote was taken.
Move that the ISO Conference 2022 approval be rescinded for the pamphlet “Intimacy Avoidance – Another Aspect of Sex Addiction.”
The Vote:
47 in Favor 1 Opposed - The Motion Passes
Observations : Argued in substantially the fashion as the Prisoners Pamphlet - it was also noted that the language and non-conformance to style guide effectively decommissions this material.
Move that the ISO Conference recommend that all motions submitted for consideration by the Conference be affirmed by the group conscience of an SAA group or intergroup, an ISO area assembly, or an ISO committee. The Conference may consider motions brought by individual members of SAA.
The Vote:
21 in Favor 26 Opposed - The Motion Fails
Observations : The interesting thing here is that upon discussion it is revealed that substantially almost no motions brought to conference by individuals, and that level has been dropping. There was a point of view raised that this would help more completely vet the motions brought to the conference with better consensus - and it would help the Conference Steering Committee manage the submitted business motions. A follow on view was that this would suppress the individual - potentially overriding the right of participation.
Move that the ISO Conference approve the attached Twelve Concepts for SAA for adoption by Sex Addicts Anonymous.
The Vote:
38 in Favor 14 Opposed - The Motion Passes (⅔ ’s)
Observations : This was a very interesting conversation, there is a strong argument for bringing these Concepts for Service into the cannon - specifically to allow complete ownership of our foundational documents. There is also a strong view that the AA concepts are perfectly suitable. There are concerns that the version as submitted is as “understandable” as it might be. There was an amendment suggested to add a clause to Concept 2 “with the exception to the traditions and warranties” this amendment was rejected.
Other Items of Note:
The Convention will change to a different cadence following 2028 - this will be a three year cycle - with the following conference being held in 2031. This decision was driven by the financial impact of running a convention.
The next Convention 2027 will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota - Celebrating 50 years of SAA in the founding location.
https://saa-recovery.org/wp-content/uploads/TheOuterCircleNewsletter.pdf
This issue has helpful information on making amends. It also gives preview information about the upcoming Conference and convention.
The current issue, as well as past archives, may also be downloaded here: https://saa-recovery.org/toc.
The Outer Circle relies on article submissions from recovering sex addicts. Please read the Submission Guidelines on the inside back cover, and consider writing an article for the newsletter! You can also submit articles online at https://saa-recovery.org/tocsubmission/.
Dear Members,
What Area Mentorship Is All About
Area Mentorship exists to strengthen the voice of SAA members and ensure our fellowship continues fulfilling its primary purpose: helping the still‑suffering sex addict. Areas were created so every meeting across more than 90 regions, has a way to participate in SAA’s democratic process through the annual Conference, where Delegates vote on matters affecting the fellowship as a whole.
Since the Area structure began in 2020, seasoned members have stepped up as mentors to help new Areas get established. Most Areas include 20–30 meetings within a geographic region (with some special‑focus exceptions). Mentors guide these meetings in forming an Area Assembly made up of GSRs (Group Service Representatives), ultimately helping each Area elect a Delegate who can carry their voice to the Conference.
Why You Matter!
If you’ve completed the 12 Steps, Area Mentorship is a powerful way to give back. You can support your own Area or help one of the many other areas still working to form their Area Assembly. You won’t be doing it alone the Area Development Committee provides training, tools, and monthly support meetings to help you grow into the role.
Ready to Explore This Path?
If you feel called to serve or simply want to learn more, reach out to info@saa-recovery.org and mention your interest in Area Development and Area Mentorship.
Stepping into this service is more than administrative work. It’s a chance to strengthen the fellowship, empower newcomers, and carry the message in a way that ripples far beyond a single meeting.
You’ve already done the hard work of recovery. This is a way to turn that growth into service that truly matters.
Please join us in this episode as Podcast listener M. shares his journey of recovery in SAA.
At the 2024 meeting of the ISO Delegate Conference, Area 54 proposed a change to Tradition Eleven. This change is in its review period and will be formally considered in 2026. The proposal can be viewed here.
Feedback on the proposed change may be given at the Tradition Eleven feedback form.
We’re excited to share that we’re in the process of upgrading our website! Over the next few months, we’ll be making improvements and adding new features to better serve our fellowship.
We encourage you to visit the site periodically and invite your groups to do the same. Please share any feedback or suggestions by emailing intergroup@northbaysaa.org.
The designer working with us also created the Orange County Intergroup website — it’s a great example of what’s possible: ocisaa.org.
Thank you for your continued service and support!
In Service and Recovery,
Dave H.
Intergroup GSR
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