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12 Traditions of AA
The twelve traditions are to the group what the twelve steps are to the individual. As a person continues in the A.A. program the wisdom and practical application of the Traditions becomes more apparent. More information about them can be found in the "Twelve by Twelve".
- Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon A.A. unity.
- 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.
- The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.
- Each group should be autonomous except in manners affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole.
- Each group has but one primary purpose - to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.
- 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.
- Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
- Alcoholics Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers.
- A.A., as such, ought never be orgainzed; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
- Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
- 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.
- Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.
Reprinted with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.
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