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Conference Approved Literature (CAL) published by S-Anon plays a foundational role in maintaining the unity and identity of the S-Anon fellowship. Written and approved by S-Anon members, it reflects our shared experiences of recovering from the effects of someone else’s sex addiction by providing a reliable and consistent message that adheres to the spiritual principles found in the S-Anon Twelve Steps, Traditions, and Concepts of Service.
The S-Anon Twelve Traditions guide groups in maintaining an atmosphere of safety in meetings including respecting anonymity, avoiding crosstalk, and steering clear of outside issues like religious beliefs or therapies. Tradition Ten specifically cautions against discussing controversial issues that could distract us from the primary purpose of our program—recovering from the effects of another’s sex addiction. Using only CAL in meetings, exactly as it is written, ensures that what is shared and read is from the S-Anon point of view and helps protect against controversy and division. Modifying CAL in meetings does not fall under group autonomy because it can disrupt unity and dilute the message of recovery, undermining the group’s long-term health and potentially affecting S-Anon as a whole. Maintaining the use of unaltered CAL ensures that S-Anon meetings remain focused on the common goal of recovery, and it helps prevent conflicts that could divide the group or fellowship.
S-Anon literature is protected by copyright, which helps protect S-Anon’s ownership rights in, and related revenue from, our literature. Any changes to CAL must follow S-Anon’s Literature Conference Approval Process (which can be found in Appendix I of the S-Anon/S-Ateen Service Manual). Any CAL changes outside this process could create significant legal and financial repercussions for the fellowship, divert resources from other member services, create unnecessary disputes, and reduce our ability to carry the message of recovery effectively.
Resources for Tradition Study
When conflict arises in groups, a helpful way to navigate the issue is through a study of the Twelve Traditions. Our book S-Anon Twelve Traditions contains a wealth of members’ experience, strength, and hope as well as questions for each Tradition to help explore and understand their application to our groups and our personal recovery. Traditions One, Four, Five, and Ten, in particular, can offer insight into why we rely on CAL and how this practice protects the group’s well-being. The WSO maintains a list of available Group Sponsors to help members navigate these questions and find solutions that uphold S-Anon principles.
Progress, Not Perfection
As with our own personal recovery, “Progress, Not Perfection” applies to our literature and the fellowship’s growth. While some aspects of S-Anon literature may feel outdated, it reflects the experience, strength, and hope of those who contributed to it at the time. Changes take time, but the process ensures that as we evolve, we stay true to the roots and principles that have sustained the fellowship.
When Members Want Change
If any member believes there is a need to revise S-Anon CAL, there is a process in place. It may not happen overnight, but change is always possible within S-Anon’s established framework. Any S-Anon member, group, or service arm may submit requests for revisions to recovery material to the Literature Committee (LC) via email at lc@sanon.org. The LC Editors determine whether a current publication is in need of revision and/or update based on the expressed needs of our fellowship. All projects for new and revised CAL are then prioritized and addressed by the LC as resources are available.
Revisions to the language of S-Anon’s three Legacies (S-Anon Twelve Steps, Traditions, and Concepts of Service) are not made using the CAL process, but rather require a Fellowship-Wide Group Conscience, ensuring that any changes are an expression of the broader S-Anon fellowship, not only members in delegated positions of service.
If members wish to be part of the CAL development process, we welcome their contributions. There are many worthwhile recovery literature projects on the radar. As each CAL title in progress is completed by the LC, editing resources are freed up to begin work on the next. The LC is currently in need of member shares about applying Concepts Six through Twelve. As other literature projects begin, the LC will request member shares on additional topics.
In Conclusion
Maintaining the integrity of CAL within meetings is essential for preserving the unity, safety, and longevity of our fellowship. If members have concerns or suggestions, the appropriate avenues for change are available and guided by principles that protect the fellowship as a whole. As described in the prior section, any S-Anon member, group, or service arm may submit requests for revisions to recovery material to the Literature Committee via email at lc@sanon.org.