Tradition 7 of Alcoholics Anonymous
By Judy F.
Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
“To conclude: Our spiritual way of life is safe for future generations if, as a Society, we resist the temptation to receive money from the outside world. But this leaves us with a responsibility – one that every member ought to understand. We cannot skimp when the treasurer of our group passes the hat. Our groups, our areas and AA as a whole will not function unless our services are sufficient and their bills are paid. When we meet and defeat the temptation to take large gifts, we are only being prudent. But when we are generous with the hat we give a token that we are grateful for our blessings and evidence that we are eager to share what we have found with all those who still suffer.”
--Language of the Heart, Respecting Money. November 1957 Bill W
I have been in a lot of meetings lately and hearing the same thing when the secretary is giving their announcements. “The baskets will be past at such and such time; give what you can.” No explanation of what the 7th tradition is; what the contributions are used for.
What a disservice to our newcomers as well as individuals who are not familiar with our traditions to “ask for money” without explaining what it is used for. In Bill’s comments he mentions that our financial obligations are the group’s responsibility and that every member should understand what these responsibilities are.
Are our local groups meeting their financial obligations? Does their group conscious vote on the amount of their prudent reserve and then send their excess to support the services of New York, their area, their district and their local intergroup or central office? Does the group even know if they are meeting their rent obligations or purchase literature for their meeting. You would be surprised at how many groups don’t have any kind of literature available for the newcomer.
You would be amazed at how many people made comments about the service offices “needing money – have you seen how much they have in their accounts,” without any knowledge of the service office’s responsibilities.
As a long time member of Alcoholics Anonymous my responsibility goes beyond walking someone through their steps. It also includes sharing on the importance of the traditions and how AA functions as a whole.
I will close with this: “Remember a dollar doesn’t go as far as it used too.” A number of meetings have made it so easy for us to participate in the 7th tradition by adding Zelle and Venmo to their accounting.