"With service grounded in love, ACA creates service boards and committees directly responsible to those they serve. The committees have bylaws and procedures but, as such, are not organized into a governing body." BRB p. 536

We come to an ACA meeting because we hear it's where we can talk about our childhood stuff. When we walk in, someone starts the meeting, someone else makes a secretary's report, someone else collects the donations, and others straighten thing up at the end. No one in the meeting is in charge; the group is in charge of all its affairs.

The upside-down pyramid represents our corporate structure, with the membership at the top and committees or service boards underneath. The newcomer has as much right to speak up as the most seasoned member. If an issue comes up and the group decides to form a committee, the committee still answers to the group. If a meeting or an intergroup makes inquiries to the World Services Organization, they must answer.

None of our trusted servants are given any power over an individual unless the individual presents a risk to other members. Then, the overall safety of the members must be cared for, with a measure of compassion and appropriate assertiveness.

Our love for each other and the realization of the enormous pain we have been in are what support the structure that keeps our fellowship functioning.

On this day I will be a responsible member of the ACA fellowship, responding to my fellow ACAs with the same gentleness, humor, love, and respect I have been given and have learned to show myself.