Responsibility

“Our spiritual way of life is safe for future generations if, as a Society, we resist the temptation to receive money from the outside world. But this leaves us with a responsibility—one that every member ought to understand. We cannot skimp when the treasurer of our group passes the hat.

Our groups, our areas, and AA as a whole will not function unless our services are sufficient and their bills are paid. When we meet and defeat the temptation to take large gifts, we are only being prudent. But when we are generous with the hat, we give a token that we are grateful for our blessings and evidence that we are eager to share what we have found with all those who still suffer.”

Bill W., November 1957

©1988AAGrapevine, The Language of the Heart, p. 221

“The A.A. groups themselves ought to be fully supported by the voluntary contributions of their own members.

We think that each group should soon achieve this ideal; that any public solicitation of funds using the name of Alcoholics Anonymous is highly dangerous, whether by groups, clubs, hospitals, or other outside agencies; and that acceptance of large gifts from any source or of contributions carrying any obligations whatever is unwise.

Then, too, we view with much concern those A.A. treasuries that continue, beyond prudent reserves, to accumulate funds for no stated A.A. purpose. Experience has often warned us that nothing can so surely destroy our spiritual heritage as futile disputes over property, money, and authority.”

– Tradition Seven (long form)

“Self-Support begins with me because I am part of us—the group. We pay our rent and utility bills and buy coffee, snacks, and A.A. literature. We support our central office, area committee, and General Service Office. If it were not for those entities, many new people would never discover the miracles of A.A.”

– “Self-Support: Where Money and Spirituality Mix” pamphlet