Tradition 6 in AA: Preserving Unity and Focus

Summary

Tradition 6 of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) emphasizes the group's commitment to unity and focus on its primary spiritual goal. It guides AA groups to avoid endorsing, financing, or lending their name to external organizations or causes, ensuring that issues of money, property, and prestige do not divert the group from its main purpose.

Explanation

Tradition 6 is a safeguard to maintain AA's integrity and preserve its spiritual essence. It recognizes that external affiliations and endorsements can create divisions and conflicts within the group. By distancing itself from outside organizations, AA ensures that its focus remains on providing support and guidance to its members in their recovery journey.

The long-form version of Tradition 6 further explains that AA groups should not involve themselves in business ventures or operate their own treatment facilities. These endeavors can lead to power struggles, financial mismanagement, and a shift in focus away from the group's primary spiritual aim.

Significance

Tradition 6 is crucial for maintaining AA's unity and effectiveness in helping its members achieve sobriety. By avoiding outside endorsements and affiliations, the group protects itself from distractions and potential conflicts that could jeopardize its mission.

Individual members of AA are free to support and endorse external organizations or causes as they choose. However, as a group, AA remains neutral and impartial to maintain a welcoming environment for all members, regardless of their personal beliefs or affiliations.

Impact on AA Groups

Tradition 6 fosters a sense of unity and belonging among AA members. It encourages members to focus on their shared experiences and the common goal of recovery, rather than becoming entangled in external issues that could divide the group.

The weekly gatherings of AA groups provide a safe space for members to share their experiences, strength, and hope. This shared experience is essential for maintaining sobriety and supporting ongoing recovery.

Conclusion

Tradition 6 of AA serves as a guiding principle that ensures the group's continued focus on its primary mission of providing support and guidance to its members throughout their recovery journey. By avoiding outside endorsements and affiliations, AA protects its integrity, maintains unity, and fosters a welcoming environment for all members.