At a GlanceTradition 6 of the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) helps keep the focus on the group. Tradition 6 states that a group will not endorse outside organizations or causes.
At a Glance
Tradition 6 of the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) helps keep the focus on the group. Tradition 6 states that a group will not endorse outside organizations or causes.
The12 Traditionsserve as a guideline or manual for 12-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Al-Anon. In this article, we’ll briefly cover Tradition 6 of AA.
What AA’s Tradition 6 Says
Traditional 6 of AA has to do with how the group sets itself apart from other groups. To preserve the integrity of the program and maintain its primary spiritual goal, a 12-step support group will not endorse any outside organizations and causes.
“Tradition 6: Our groups ought never endorse, finance or lend our name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property, and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.”
And the Al-Anon version adds:“Although a separate entity, we should always cooperate with Alcoholics Anonymous.”
How Tradition 5 of AA Discuses the Purpose of Recovery Groups
The Long Form Version of Tradition 6 in AA
AA has a long-form version of all its traditions that explains each in more detail. Here’s the long form of Tradition 6:
What Tradition 6 in AA Means
As individuals, members of 12-step support group are free to endorse, finance, or affiliate with any religious, political party, charitable, or civic organization that they wish. As a group, however, these endorsements could lead to misunderstandings and confusion.
Experts say that since many outside organizations have tried to use the name ofAlcoholics AnonymousorAl-Anon Family Groupsto promote their own treatment programs or therapy approaches, it’s more important than ever that Tradition 6 is observed.
How Tradition 1 Helps Maintain Unity at AA Meetings
Why Tradition 6 in AA Is Important
While members of the group might be interested in starting a 12-step club or supporting a shelter for abused spouses, it’s important that they only do so as individuals and not as a group.
Trying to get involved as a group could lead to situations where there are power struggles over finances and control, which would divert the attention and fellowship of the group away from its primary focus—recovery.
Members of the group come together each week to seek the experience, strength, and hope of others. If the group were to spend part of that time talking about outside activities, it would take away from that crucial support. If outside issues are allowed to dominate the discussion, it negatively affects the unity and focus of the group.
As with other traditions, Tradition 6 of AA is meant to guide people toward recovery. This helps ensure that the focus of the group stays on supporting members throughout the process.
Tradition 7 of AA Ensures Groups are Self-Supporting
2 SourcesVerywell 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.Alcoholics Anonymous.The Twelve Traditions (long form).Take the 12.Tradition 6.Additional ReadingAl-Anon Family Groups.The Twelve Traditions.Alcoholics Anonymous.The Twelve Traditions (The Long Form).
2 Sources
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.Alcoholics Anonymous.The Twelve Traditions (long form).Take the 12.Tradition 6.Additional ReadingAl-Anon Family Groups.The Twelve Traditions.Alcoholics Anonymous.The Twelve Traditions (The Long Form).
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.
Alcoholics Anonymous.The Twelve Traditions (long form).Take the 12.Tradition 6.
Alcoholics Anonymous.The Twelve Traditions (long form).
Take the 12.Tradition 6.
Al-Anon Family Groups.The Twelve Traditions.Alcoholics Anonymous.The Twelve Traditions (The Long Form).
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