According to Tradition 9, how should A.A. be organized?

The essence of Tradition 9 is that Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) is not designed to be a highly organized structure like a typical governmental or corporate entity. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of autonomy for groups and the simplicity of the organization. The tradition suggests that A.A. should remain free of formal hierarchies, which allows for greater freedom, democratic participation, and a volunteer spirit among its members.

While it recognizes the need for some organizational structures to facilitate service (such as service boards), these structures are meant to support rather than dominate the group's primary purpose. The idea is that any service entities created should be of service to the groups and should not impose control over them. This aligns with the principle of attraction rather than promotion, where the focus remains on support and unity rather than governance.

Thus, the emphasis in Tradition 9 on the lack of formal organization and the allowance for service boards captures the spirit of A.A. as a fellowship that thrives on collective support and shared experiences instead of structured leadership or rigid governance.