7th Tradition of the 12 Traditions of AA: Self-Sufficiency

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

Purpose:

• To maintain the integrity and independence of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) groups.
• To ensure that AA groups remain free from outside influences and financial obligations.
• To promote self-reliance and responsibility among members.

Benefits:

• Autonomy: AA groups are self-governing and independent of external control.
• Unity: AA groups are united by a common goal and purpose, rather than by financial dependence.
• Anonymity: AA groups can maintain their anonymity by relying solely on member contributions.
• Self-Respect: Members feel a sense of dignity and self-respect when they contribute to the financial well-being of their group.

Implications for Online AA Groups:

• Online AA groups should strive to be self-supporting through voluntary contributions from members.
• Online AA groups should avoid accepting advertising or financial support from external sources.
• Online AA groups should be aware of the potential for outside influences and take steps to protect their autonomy.

Historical Context:

• The 7th Tradition was adopted in 1939 as part of the original 12 Traditions of AA.
• The tradition was based on the belief that AA groups should be self-reliant and independent of outside influences.
• The tradition was also intended to prevent AA from becoming commercialized or exploited.

Personal Reflections:

• How does the 7th Tradition help me to maintain my autonomy and independence as an AA member?
• How does the 7th Tradition help me to feel a sense of self-respect and dignity?
• How can I contribute to the financial well-being of my AA group?