The AA Preamble – contd

Here it is: 

“Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.

AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organisation or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.”

We now consider the term “fellowship”. You will note from the linked dictionary definitions that the following apply: “the companionship of individuals in a congenial atmosphere and on equal terms”; “a close association of friends or equals sharing similar interests”; “community of interest, feeling”; “a company of equals or friends” and so on.

(our emphases)

You will further note that there is no reference to any kind of hierarchy, no suggestion that any amongst this “company of equals” may assume any kind of authority over others nor arrogate to themselves the right to dictate or determine the conduct of their fellows. There are no 'experts', 'superiors', 'overseers', or even 'gurus' etc but merely a community who share similar interests. Even the word “similar” may be considered significant here ie. not identical, a term which reflects but also resolves the apparent conflict between the interests of the individual and those of the community to which they (provisionally) belong. An individual (again according to the dictionary definition) is someone who is regarded as “a single human considered apart from a society or community”. Their interests, concerns etc may be particular to themselves but sufficiently 'similar' to those of others to allow them to align themselves with that group. At no time does this 'similarity of interest' negate their individuality nor does it presuppose that they must abandon their unique viewpoint simply to accommodate the demands of the group. Indeed if the group does become so importunate then it no longer operates as a 'fellowship' but rather as yet another form of tyranny.

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

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