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 emphases)
 

Tradition Five: 

“Five—Each group has but one primary purpose—to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.” (short form) 

“5.—Each Alcoholics Anonymous group ought to be a spiritual entity having but one primary purpose—that of carrying its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.” (long form)

This last section of the preamble contains much for reflection especially when it comes to the notion of sobriety. Apart from its usual connotation (especially within the context of AA), ie. complete, life-long abstinence from the consumption of alcohol, the expression also suggests (from the above definitions) “gravity in bearing, manner, or treatment”, “seriousness or solemnity” and most importantly, from our perspective at least, “the quality of refraining from excess”. Therefore a sober individual will be one who necessarily embodies that attribute in thought, word and deed. But the very antithesis of this behaviour is exemplified by members of the cult who stridently proclaim the superiority of their recovery over all others and who eagerly lay down a whole raft of “suggestions” (cult speak for 'rules) with which failure to comply it is implied will lead to relapse. Newcomers are presented with a dogma which has little to do with either the AA fellowship or its programme. Some of the worst offenders are those who claim some 'special' acquaintance with the basic text of AA, 'Alcoholics Anonymous' (frequently referred to as the Big Book) but who seem by some extraordinary mischance to have failed to read Chapter Seven, “Working With Others”, where a number of proposals are put forward as to the nature of the relationship that might exist between existing members and people new to the fellowship (one example being the exposition of the text presented by 'circuit speakers' Joe and Charlie who, apart from a couple of passing references to the aforementioned chapter, fail to make any further comment on its content (an omission which reflects in particular Joe's disinclination to follow the advice contained therein, this part of his 'study' being more a reflection of his own prejudices than a serious attempt to make the text more accessible. So much for their 'Big Book study'!) For our part we suggest to anyone new to AA that they read the text for themselves (and any other AA conference approved literature) as a preliminary and then draw whatever conclusions they like. The AA programme does not require suspension of any or all critical faculties nor does it recommend the services of an 'interpreter' (self-appointed or otherwise). Moreover such an approach ensures the development of a more precise focus on the “principles” of the recovery programme rather than getting caught up with the various so-called 'personalities' in AA of which we have more than enough! eg. Joe, Charlie, Clancy, the Dallas Cowboys, sundry Davids (who seem to multiply with each passing day), and whole flotillas of Waynes (similarly) and so on ad infinitum... None of these are in any way 'essential' to recovery and may easily be dispensed with!

AA literature:

Books

Pamphlets

Miscellaneous

Box 4-5-9 - News and Notes from G.S.O.

A.A. Guidelines

Newsletters

Service Material 

With regard to purchasing AA literature see our views here.

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS To use “comment” system simply click on the relevant tab below this article and sign in. All comments go through a moderation stage

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)

From the above it may be seen that AA forms NO affiliations or alliances with ANY of these organisational categories (which would, of course, include Alanon and Alateen – no exemptions are indicated here)

According to AA traditions:

“6.—Problems of money, property, and authority may easily divert us from our primary spiritual aim. We think, therefore, that any considerable property of genuine use to A.A. should be separately incorporated and managed, thus dividing the material from the spiritual. An A.A. group, as such, should never go into business. Secondary aids to A.A., such as clubs or hospitals which require much property or administration, ought to be incorporated and so set apart that, if necessary, they can be freely discarded by the groups. Hence such facilities ought not to use the A.A. name. Their management should be the sole responsibility of those people who financially support them. For clubs, A.A. managers are usually preferred. But hospitals, as well as other places of recuperation, ought to be well outside A.A.—and medically supervised. While an A.A. group may cooperate with anyone, such cooperation ought never go so far as affiliation or endorsement, actual or implied. An A.A. group can bind itself to no one.”

(our emphasis)

Again it may be seen from the above that AA (and its constituent groups) does not associate itself with any organisation either explicitly or implicitly.

Further:

“10.—No A.A. group or member should ever, in such a way as to implicate A.A., express any opinion on outside controversial issues—particularly those of politics, alcohol reform, or sectarian religion. The Alcoholics Anonymous groups oppose no one. Concerning such matters they can express no views whatever.”

From this it is quite clear that AA members are free to express their views on any subject they wish (including the conduct of the fellowship) and in any forum they wish subject only to the above proviso. Moreover the argument of 'no controversy' (so frequently deployed by those who wish to shut down all debate within AA) applies only to “outside controversial issues” eg. politics, alcohol reform, or sectarian religion. With regard to 'inside' controversial issues ie. those relating to newcomer abuse, sexual exploitation etc these are (and indeed should be) entirely appropriate subjects for discussion (and action). For our part we are fervent exponents of the notion that 'dirty linen' should be thoroughly exposed to full public scrutiny. This may appear rather unseemly but tends to have an accelerative effect on reform ie. it gets dealt with so much more rapidly!

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS To use “comment” system simply click on the relevant tab below this article and sign in. All comments go through a moderation stage

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)

PS To use “comment” system simply click on “Comments” tab below this article and sign in. All comments go through a moderation stage

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 emphases)

As we have already indicated there is only one membership requirement (but this is a necessity): a desire to stop drinking. Moreover this applies to AA as a whole and does not of itself imply membership of a particular group or groups. These may have their own provisions . Each group is free to operate as it wishes (subject to the Traditions – and most specifically Tradition Four). Similarly these Traditions are merely guidelines and not binding on any group. However where groups elect to conduct themselves in such a way as to bring themselves into conflict with other groups or AA as a whole the latter are equally at liberty to act as they see fit (which may include exclusion of the former entities (and their members qua group members) from participation in the service structure of AA at any level, removal from group directories together with appropriate notifications to other agencies etc). We would include, of course, cult groups in this deviant category. Such exclusion naturally does not apply to individual membership of the fellowship as a whole. No member can be banned from AA nor excluded (permanently) on any ground from attending any meeting they wish. Any group which seeks to impose any restriction on attendance at a (closed) meeting other than the above membership requirement is in direct conflict with our central purpose (eg. men only, women only, gay, straight, newcomer, oldtimer etc groups). These, according to their own designation, are NOT AA groups NOR do they run AA meetings

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS To use “comment” system simply click on “Comments” tab below this article and sign in. All comments go through a moderation stage

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 emphases)

From the above it can be seen that the sole purpose of sharing this experience, strength and hope is directed towards solving “their” (and our) “common problem”, that problem being specifically alcoholism.

“A disorder characterized by the excessive consumption of and dependence on alcoholic beverages, leading to physical and psychological harm and impaired social and vocational functioning. Also called alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence.”

From the above definition it would follow that any solution must include either reduced consumption or total abstinence. AA proposes the latter, other treatments include the former. Similarly any effective regime would also encompass some form of management for the consequent physical and psychological harms. Both of these are the province of health professionals and they should be consulted accordingly. For the latter categories of “impaired social and vocational functioning” the fellowship provides both a programme and mutual support which may contribute significantly towards ensuring continued abstinence and improved “social functioning” although other appropriate agencies should not be neglected where these prove helpful.

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

Another 'also ran' - Conference questions that didn't quite make it!

“11. Would Conference approve of a group banning a person who is repeatedly violent in meetings?

Background

1. I was recently head‐butted at one of my local meetings by a person who has been coming to AA for a number of years but has been repeatedly violent towards people. At that same meeting a few years ago this person had

another violent outburst where they threw a cup at the Secretary and hit someone with a chair. The person who was Secretary at the time has not returned to AA. Having discussed what happened to me with members of the

fellowship I have discovered that this person has punched people in meetings, chased someone to their car and started banging on the car windshield while the person was in it and a number of other assaults have occurred over the years.

In order for evil to succeed it takes good people to do nothing. If the group of the meeting where I was headbutted had taken action for this person's past transgressions then perhaps I would not have been head‐butted there recently. I put it to Conference, does a group have the right to ban a person who is repeatedly violent? I know that this is a very controversial question and I have my concerns about going down the road of banning people from AA. Where would it end? However Tradition 3 states that the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. But what if there is someone in your local area who's only desire is to bully and hit people who are trying to practice a spiritual way of life? The group's common welfare should come first, personal recovery depends upon AA unity and my personal recovery was gravely affected by the violent act which happened to me in a meeting which, after five years of sobriety, I thought was a safe place.

2. References

AA Service News Summer 2001, Draft guidelines on personal conduct in AA meetings and our common welfare pages 7‐10; Guidelines for AA in Great Britain, Guideline 16 ‐ Violence; Guidelines for AA in Great Britain, Guideline 17 ‐ Personal Conduct Matters; Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions; Alcoholics Anonymous, page 97; The AA Group; AA Tradition ‐ How it developed; Twelve Traditions Illustrated; This is AA

Terms of Reference No. 7 Covered by existing literature, guidelines and Traditions.”

Comment: Anyone who's been around AA for a while will probably have observed this kind of conduct although thankfully most will not have been directly involved. The solution of course is quite simple. Drunk or sober the perpetrator is committing a criminal offence. The proper response is to call in the police immediately so that they may deal with the situation. One of our contributors witnessed a similar situation at a meeting a number of years ago. The individual in question was undoubtedly drunk and acted in an extremely aggressive manner towards those present. Attempts were made to calm him down but to no avail. The meeting was brought to a standstill. Eventually one of the attendees left the meeting, found a couple of police officers, explained the situation to them as they accompanied him back to the meeting venue. On arrival they invited the man in question to accompany them and subsequently escorted him from the room. The meeting then proceeded as usual. Nobody got hurt (although some were a bit shaken up). Subsequently a decision was made by the group that a zero tolerance policy would apply in such situations and that any violent behaviour (verbal or otherwise) would be dealt with similarly and promptly. AA is a place that welcomes drunks but NOT drunken behaviour!

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS To use “comment” system simply click on “Comments” tab below this article and sign in. All comments go through a moderation stage

PPS Since the Electronic Communications committee decided to do away with the AA online conference question forum (see here) we've devoted a section of our own forum to discuss these matters. Have your say here.

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)

“direct personal participation or observation; actual knowledge or contact” to be contrasted with opinion: “a belief or conclusion held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof”

It may be noted from the above that “experience” refers to “direct personal participation or observation”. This does not imply of itself that any statement may be made as to the general validity of the observation etc so acquired unless it is similarly confirmed by repetition by others (eg. the scientific method). Thus although one individual may have an “experience”, draw certain conclusions from it and determine their future actions accordingly, it does not automatically follow that another individual should act similarly until they too have confirmed the sequence. But even here different people may have similar experiences (it is impossible for these experiences to be identical) but draw varying conclusions which may tend towards a differing outcome. Or to put it another way - just because something works well for you doesn't automatically mean that it will for others. Hence although we may “share” our “experience” with others in the hope that they may arrive at similar conclusions - and benefit accordingly - we cannot assume this to be the case; this would be the height of arrogance. The dogma associated with the cult, however, runs counter to this principle. Here it is indeed assumed that 'one size fits all' regardless of the outcome as newcomers are manipulated, coerced or directed to abide by a set of frequently quite arbitrary 'rules' (or “suggestions” in cult speak), and where failure to comply leads necessarily to relapse. However “experience” demonstrates that it is entirely possible to get and remain sober without doing the steps, without the assistance of a sponsor, without praying (on your knees or in any other position), without writing gratitude lists, without ringing up (and boring) two newcomers a day, without studying the Big Book (as if it were some subject to be mastered!) etc etc etc. It's even possible for an alcoholic to get sober without attending AA at all! Who'd have thought it!

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

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 emphases)

You will observe the expression “share …. with each other” above. This term does not imply that as members of AA we have acquired the right to direct the conduct of others nor are we entitled to seek to manipulate, coerce, control, or exploit them. We have not been elevated to some position of authority from which pinnacle of expertise we may berate, cajole or even lecture others. We merely pass on our “experience, strength and hope” to our listeners who, in turn, are entirely free to act as they see fit. Or to use the analogy of 'sharing' a meal with someone we do so for the profit their company affords us and the hope that they may similarly benefit. 'Breaking bread' with someone does not include forcibly inserting a breadstick into their ear or shovelling a lamb chop down their throat! This is not the sort of conduct expected of a good host!

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS To use “comment” system simply click on “Comments” tab below this article and sign in. All comments go through a moderation stage

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)

You'll note reference is made above to “a” fellowship of “men and women”. This suggests that AA consists of 'one' body consisting of two subcategories but with both amalgamated ie. 'and' – and that there is no suggestion of segregation on any basis in AA, no division according to gender, colour, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age (except see following), religious (or non-religious) adherence, economic group, political inclination etc etc. The 'only' requirement for AA membership is 'a desire to stop drinking'. Therefore those groups which impose (either directly or by implication) any further attendance (and therefore membership) requirements are in breach of Traditions One, Three, Four, Five and Ten. Men only, women only, straight, gay, 'newcomers', 'oldtimers' etc meetings are all included within this category of 'exclusivity' (notwithstanding the transparent fiction to the contrary appended to some of these group listings in various Where to Finds). Moreover meetings which use any form of prayer associated with a particular religion are similarly to be judged ie. the use of the Lord's prayer (Christian) at the end or beginning of a meeting. These too are in breach of AA's traditions.

The defence is sometimes raised that the membership requirement refers to AA generally and not to specific groups. But if a group opens with the above preamble it is reasonable to suppose that they endorse the traditions it contains and intend to abide by them. If not it may be that either they have given insufficient thought to the implications of what they are claiming (ie. the preamble is merely a ritual incantation) or they are hypocrites. Either way it is their responsibility to ensure otherwise. On the other hand if the group does not employ the usual introduction but has framed its own (which it is entirely free to do) then the question arises why? And to what end? It may be that the group (and the meeting) has nothing to do with AA although it advertises itself as such. Similarly some groups claim their right to autonomy according to Tradition Four (see above) but they omit to mention the second qualifying clause of that statement ie. autonomy “except in matters affecting other groups or AA as a whole”. This tradition does not imply completely unfettered latitude of action but proposes the need for consultation. Moreover it does not exclude “other groups or AA as a whole” from concluding that a rogue group should be removed from AA directories and its members excluded from service within the fellowship. Incidentally neither of these latter courses of action implies denial of individual membership of AA. That remains unchanged.

Moreover the terms 'men and women' suggest that the membership is made up of adults only. Although the membership requirement is stated explicitly these terms imply a qualification. AA, therefore, is not a place for minors (either as members or as visitors). It is our view that children should not be present in AA meetings for any reason, both for their welfare and out of consideration for others present. Members may wish to talk candidly about things that concern them but feel constrained because of the presence of children and the possible trauma it might cause them. Other arrangements need to be made for their care for the duration of the meeting. Any such provision, where it needs to be funded, should not be derived from AA treasuries but from entirely separate sources.

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS To use “comment” system simply click on “Comments” tab below this article and sign in. All comments go through a moderation stage

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)

PS To use “comment” system simply click on “Comments” tab below this article and sign in. All comments go through a moderation stage

The AA Preamble – contd

Now we will consider the introductory phrase: “Alcoholics Anonymous”. This should be a clue as to our 'target market' ie. alcoholics, and how we conduct ourselves generally, and in the public sphere. Although our sole membership requirement is that a potential candidate should have a “desire to stop drinking” (self-determined and self-diagnosed) it should be evident that AA deals only with chronic problem drinkers who have an established alcohol addiction and who are unable to return to what might be termed 'normal' or 'social' drinking. We are not talking about those who have an 'acute' problem, who may have developed some difficulties along the way but are able to moderate their alcohol consumption subsequently. For the former case there is really only one sure solution currently available: complete lifelong abstinence from alcohol in any quantity and in any form. For the latter there may be a number of possible treatment options none of which involves such drastic action. Accompanying lifelong (physical abstinence) there is a need also for the individual concerned to evolve some form of attitude adjustment to avoid the possibility of relapse. AA offers ONE method for developing such a change of perspective: the 12 step recovery programme. It should be mentioned here that AA makes no claim to a monopoly on recovery. Individuals within AA might make such assertions. Fortunately neither they nor anyone else speaks for the fellowship. We have no gurus (but our membership does include those who THINK they are). We deal ONLY with the alcohol problem and with no other type of addiction nor are we qualified to offer any advice on these. We have but one primary purpose as stated in our preamble.

Now we come to the the question of anonymity. This is elaborated upon in the 11^th and 12^th of AA's Traditions: 

“Eleven—Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio and films.” (short form) 

“11.—Our relations with the general public should be characterized by personal anonymity. We think A.A. ought to avoid sensational advertising. Our names and pictures as A.A. members ought not be broadcast, filmed, or publicly printed. Our public relations should be guided by the principle of attraction rather than promotion. There is never need to praise ourselves. We feel it better to let our friends recommend us.” (long form) 

“Twelve—Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.” (short form) 

“12.—And finally, we of Alcoholics Anonymous believe that the principle of anonymity has an immense spiritual significance. It reminds us that we are to place principles before personalities; that we are actually to practice a genuine humility. This to the end that our great blessings may never spoil us; that we shall forever live in thankful contemplation of Him who presides over us all.” (long form)

For our part we regard Tradition 11 merely as a specific application of the general principle outlined in Tradition 12. There are some in AA (circuit speakers, 'gurus', Big Book 'experts' and other assorted 'snake oil' purveyors) who believe that it is sufficient merely to adhere to the letter of these traditions rather than their spirit. There are others who don't bother to restrain their egos even to this modest degree (you know who you are!). The principle of anonymity is pivotal to AA's philosophy and where practised proves to be our greatest strength, where not – our most serious flaw. What AA does NOT need are the services of the propagandists, dogmatists, fundamentalists, promoters and other essentially narcissistic personalities. What AA does need is the ordinary member who gets on with his or her life doing what needs to be done, helping newcomers where help is requested and all without any fanfare or fuss! Remember that bit in the Just for Today card about doing someone a good turn and not getting found out?

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous … and still anonymous themselves!)

The AA Preamble

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)

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous as such has ONE official website for Great Britain:

http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/

"This Web Site is created and maintained by The General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous (Great Britain) Ltd. through the General Service Office of Great Britain.

The General Service Office is the national office serving A.A. in Great Britain and English speaking meetings in continental Europe." (AA website)

There is NO other official website covering this geographical region. There are however links contained within the AA site to various web pages that have been allocated to Intergroups (and for regional information). There are moreover pages allocated to groups within different regions. Whereas the information contained in the Intergroup and Regional pages is non-controversial the same cannot necessarily be said for those relating to specific groups.

There are however an increasing number of other sites which carry information relating to Alcoholics Anonymous or indeed refer to themselves as being an online presence for their group (AA or otherwise), or then again are purely online entities such as forums, online meetings, chat rooms etc, and these moreover may or may not use the AA logo, may or may not use the terms "Alcoholics Anonymous" in their titles or group names, and furthermore may or may not carry disclaimers (and where they do these might not be very clearly displayed - and we suspect that in at least one instance this is quite deliberate) to the effect that the sites themselves are neither "approved or endorsed by, and are not affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. or any AA Service entity of any country" or variations on this theme etc. Therefore it is necessary to apply some discretion when assessing the information conveyed therein. (For our part the aacultwatch site neither uses the terms "Alcoholics Anonymous" in its title, nor the logo nor even the traditional abbreviation for AA in the form of two upper case letters. Moreover we make it quite clear in the About Us section of site who we are and what the site itself is about).

The advantage of placing one's reliance on the information contained in the official site is that this as far as possible reflects most accurately what AA is indeed about (and as contained in the Preamble itself as well as the Steps, Traditions and Concepts, and then other guidelines produced by the General Service Conference).

Additionally the AA website includes a section relating to AA literature (AA conference approved). Other literature may be available at AA meetings but may not be conference approved. If such material (including books, pamphlets, booklets, CDs and DVDs) is on display it should be marked separately from AA literature and should thereafter be treated with some circumspection. The information contained therein might ONLY represent the views of some individuals, and not of the Fellowship itself (as represented by its collective conscience)

The Preamble of Alcoholics Anonymous (read out at the beginning of most AA meetings)

"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 A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.

A.A. 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."

Although groups are not obliged to read out this Preamble (and may indeed use another form of words) this particular introduction is most frequently employed to indicate (especially to those new to AA) what AA IS and IS NOT about. If another form of words is being used then again this meeting should be treated with care - it may be a meeting affiliated with another organisation and therefore is (and in accordance with AA Traditions) neither an AA meeting nor one run by an AA group.

Generally an AA meeting will conclude with the Serenity Prayer as follows:

"God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference."

Again groups (and meetings) are not obliged to conclude with this prayer and may use the Lord's Prayer instead, for example. This prayer however is Christian in origin and AA as such is not allied with any such institutions. Therefore we would assert that such groups are in fact breaking AA Traditions by affiliating themselves with outside organisations. Again these meetings should be treated with caution.