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.”

(our emphasis)

Tradition 7 makes clear the basis of all of AA's finances:

“Seven—Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.” (short form)

“7.—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; that acceptance of large gifts from any source, or of contributions carrying any obligation whatever, is unwise. Then too, we view with much concern those A.A. treasuries which 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.” (long form)

Since AA is no more than the sum total of its groups and members this principle should apply to AA collectively, and to every part of its service structure. We refer you here to this question proposed (unsuccessfully) for consideration by the GB conference (2014):

(Unfortunately the committee omitted to elaborate on precisely which part of the cited background information was incorrect. As far as we can determine the figures quoted are accurate). What is clear, however, is that a substantial part of AA's revenues derive from the profit from literature sales. These do NOT constitute voluntary contributions. They are voluntary only in the sense that people may choose to buy the literature or not. However the amount paid is not determined by the buyer but by the vendor. As such they fall outside the term “contribution”. To contribute is “to give (support, money, etc) for a common purpose or fund”. It is not to a sum exacted in fulfilment of a legally binding contract for sale. Moreover:

Source: The Charity Commission (226745 - The General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous (Great Britain) Limited)

You will see from these accounts (required by law) that under “Income” there are three sources listed: “Voluntary”, “Trading to raise funds” and “Investment”. For accounting purposes, at least, “Voluntary” (ie. members' contributions) is considered to be a completely separate entity from “Trading” (ie. literature sales). You will also note the amounts involved: “Voluntary” accounts for £890,000 whilst book sales make up £510,000 (a not inconsiderable portion of total income).

From this it is quite clear AA is NOT fully self-supporting through the voluntary contributions of its members.

(We will be coming back to this conference question in the near future)

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

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