By being self-supporting and declining outside contributions, 12-step groups protect the fellowship structure and basic spiritual foundations. Tradition 7 of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) says, “Every group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.”

Being Self-Supporting

One of the principals of the12-step support groupsis that each member is responsible for his or her own recovery. The first part of Tradition 7 makes it clear that responsibility extends to the members of each local group as it passes the basket for contributions to pay the rent and maintain its literature library.

Rejecting Outside Contributions

As the Internet became a part of daily life, members of 12-step groups naturally began gathering together online for mutual support.

Many of12-step online support groups(but not all) were able to adhere to Tradition 7 and remain self-supporting, keeping outside advertising off of their websites and out of their online meetings.

Taking Responsibility

AA member Althea notes the many benefits of this tradition for thealcoholic, the group, and for AA as a whole. Many come to AA at rock bottom, without a job or place to stay. No payment is required at AA, but as the alcoholic gets sober and begins to make progress in other areas of his life, he is able to place a contribution in the basket at the meeting. It makes him responsible for the first time (for many) to take care of himself and give back to the group.

Those in AA who have been in the program for years might think they have contributed enough and leave the burden of being financially responsible to newcomers. The AA co-founders understood this and Tradition 7 protects the program from getting outside help. The program shows how an alcoholic who was socially irresponsible came to be responsible.

Enhancing Dignity

AA member Chuck notes, “We didn’t and don’t take money from outsiders, no matter how kind or well-intentioned. W.H.O. stands for We Help Ourselves.”

1 SourceVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Country-to-Country Sponsorship: Carrying the A.A. Message Worldwide. Alcoholics Anonymous® [aa.org].

1 Source

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Country-to-Country Sponsorship: Carrying the A.A. Message Worldwide. Alcoholics Anonymous® [aa.org].

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Country-to-Country Sponsorship: Carrying the A.A. Message Worldwide. Alcoholics Anonymous® [aa.org].

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