12 Traditions Of AA

The Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous

The 12 Traditions of AA ensure the survival of Alcoholics Anonymous in order that it is always available to help those suffering from alcohol dependence.

Tradition 1: Unity

Tradition 1 : Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon A.A. unity.

Tradition 2: Leadership

Tradition 2 : For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority—a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.

Tradition 3: Requirement for Membership

Tradition 3 : The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.

Tradition 4: Autonomous Groups

Tradition 4 : Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole.

Tradition 5: Singleness of Purpose

Tradition 5 : Each group has but one primary purpose—to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.

Tradition 6: No Endorsements or Affiliations

Tradition 6 : An A.A. group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the A.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property, and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.

Tradition 7: Funding

Tradition 7 : Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.

Tradition 8: Non-professional

Tradition 8 : Alcoholics Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers.

Tradition 9: Organic Structure

Tradition 9  : A.A., as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.

Tradition 10: Avoiding controversy

Tradition 10 : Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.

Tradition 11: Public Relations Policy

Tradition 11 : 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.

Tradition 12: Humility

Tradition 12 : Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.

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Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of AA

"Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous" is a book written by the founder of AA.

Twelve Traditions

Here are the chapters from this Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions book: