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.”
Source: AA (GB) website
We thought
we'd take a little look at it. Firstly this is what is generally
read out at the beginning of most AA meetings. It describes what AA -
and that particular group - are and are not about. We say “most”
because some meetings don't read out this form. Of course they're
not obliged to but if the wording varies the question you've got to
ask yourself is why? If the new form adds or subtracts anything
again the question has got to be why? If the group when questioned
responds by saying that they can use any wording they like, and add
or subtract anything they wish, or indeed read out nothing at all
they are quite correct … except according to Tradition Four – we
quote:
“Four—Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole.” (our emphasis)
or if you prefer the long form:
“4.—With respect to its own affairs, each A.A. group should be responsible to no other authority than its own conscience. But when its plans concern the welfare of neighboring groups also, those groups ought to be consulted. And no group, regional committee, or individual should ever take any action that might greatly affect A.A. as a whole without conferring with the trustees of the General Service Board. On such issues our common welfare is paramount.” (our emphasis)
So yes, it is true a group may do what it likes (according to its group conscience that is, and not merely at the whim of an individual or clique of individuals within the group) but this liberty is not unqualified. So if a group is using a different form of words in the preamble that's fine so long as that form doesn't misrepresent AA locally (ie. neighbouring groups) or “AA as a whole”. If it does again the question is why? And don't be afraid to ask!! Remember! We are responsible etc etc!
(to be continued)
Cheers
The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)
“Four—Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole.” (our emphasis)
or if you prefer the long form:
“4.—With respect to its own affairs, each A.A. group should be responsible to no other authority than its own conscience. But when its plans concern the welfare of neighboring groups also, those groups ought to be consulted. And no group, regional committee, or individual should ever take any action that might greatly affect A.A. as a whole without conferring with the trustees of the General Service Board. On such issues our common welfare is paramount.” (our emphasis)
So yes, it is true a group may do what it likes (according to its group conscience that is, and not merely at the whim of an individual or clique of individuals within the group) but this liberty is not unqualified. So if a group is using a different form of words in the preamble that's fine so long as that form doesn't misrepresent AA locally (ie. neighbouring groups) or “AA as a whole”. If it does again the question is why? And don't be afraid to ask!! Remember! We are responsible etc etc!
(to be continued)
Cheers
The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)
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