Where Money and Spirituality Mix
by Doug W.
As I grow into my sobriety, I believe that A.A. saved me from an ugly alcoholic death. I owe A.A. my life.
How can I repay my indebtedness to the organization that saved my life? What can I do? To help me stay sober, I give of my time and money. When I was new in the rooms and had a dollar (often just change), I put something in the basket when someone passed it to me. I drank a lot and had no problem finding money to buy my drinks. Yes, towards the end, the quality was substituted for quantity. I drank the cheapest and most awful-tasting thing I could afford. Due to my alcoholism, I lost my job and my wife, the respect of my children, and I had to move in with my sister.
As I worked on my alcohol problem and finished my steps, my life began to blossom. I was starting to have money to spend on non-essentials. I was still giving just a buck. My life continued to come together, and I wanted more than just not drinking; I wanted a real, tangible spiritual experience. I trusted God and was able to give more and more each year.
My relationship with A.A. is not transactional. I do not give to get. I give because of what I got. I have a life worth living, and my gratitude is reflected in my service to all of A.A., not just at the meetings I attend.
I started to double and triple my contributions in each meeting and, at times, even more. I desire to place in the basket what it would cost me to drink today, not the amount that worked in the 1950’s. I gave a dollar to A.A.W.S. (G.S.O.) in New York for each year I was sober. They provide a guideline of one dollar for each year sober and up to $5,000 a year (I am not there yet.) I went beyond that dollar and continue to do that.
A.A. does not need me, but I need A.A. I am aware of the devastating effects of alcohol on me and other alcoholics. I need to support A.A. from top to bottom. First, I contribute to my local online and in-person meetings. I give at the District and Area level and A.A. in New York. I am not trying to impress anyone; I am grateful for what A.A. has given me. I want to make sure A.A. is still around for the child who is born tonight and destined for alcoholism, the recovery of the person who is one short block of finding the rooms where they can find what I found and get full recovery and turn their lives around.
Money in the rooms is an awkward conversation. The meeting needs to make rent and pay for the cost of the meeting. After the rent and prudent reserve are met, the remaining contributions are to be given away in other areas of the entire A.A. entity structure. The money was collected as 7th Tradition, so all the remaining money has to go to A.A. and its service entities, such as A.A.W.S. (G.S.O.), Area 93, District 7, and S.C.V. Central Office. The 7th Tradition money cannot be used for other activities. Each group conscious decides the percentages for making contributions to each service entity. Often, a higher contribution percentage should go to the entity with the most impact on your group or you. Each group should be registered with New York, District 7, and Area 93 so they can acknowledge your contribution. If you need to know your group I.D. or if it is registered, email registrar@area93district7.org for a report.
The spiritual growth I received is proportional to my willingness to give when I see a need. I know people roll their eyes when they hear of the need for more money. The service entities operate on a minimal budget, and often, almost no one is paid; those who are paid may not be making minimum wage. Refer to the long form of Tradition 9 on acceptable A.A. services. These entities have actual costs, rent, and travel reimbursements, but everyone in service gives a ton of their time to ensure A.A. will be able to help anyone in need.
Give freely of what you find and join us. We shall be with you in the Fellowship of the Spirit, and you will surely meet some of us as you trudge the Road of Happy Destiny. A.A. offers a pamphlet on “Self-Support: Where Money and Spirituality Mix.”
Responsibility Declaration
“I am responsible. When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there. And for that, I am responsible.”
