Tradition 10
“Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.”
“We shall never have an opinion on outside issues. We shall never allow the A.A. name to be drawn into public controversy.” — Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tradition 10
Tradition 10 keeps AA out of politics, religion, and every other arena where people disagree. Not because those things don’t matter — but because AA’s survival depends on staying out of them.
What it means
“No opinion on outside issues” — AA as a whole takes no position on politics, religion, medicine, social policy, or anything else outside its primary purpose. Individual members can hold any views they like.
“The moment A.A. takes a stand on an outside issue, it has divided itself. Half the members will agree; half will not. And the newcomer who needs help will be caught in the middle.” — Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tradition 10
“The A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy” — AA’s name is its most valuable asset. Once it becomes associated with a political position, it loses its ability to help people who hold the opposite position.
“We have to be very careful that the A.A. name is not used to promote any cause, however worthy.” — Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tradition 10
Why it matters
“Our founders were wise enough to see that if A.A. ever took sides on any public question, it would be torn apart. They had seen it happen to other organizations. They were determined it would not happen to A.A.” — Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tradition 10
AA members include people of every political persuasion, every religion, every nationality. The only thing they have in common is alcoholism and a desire to recover. Tradition 10 protects that common ground.
“We are not reformers. We are not crusaders. We are not politicians. We are just a bunch of drunks trying to stay sober and help other drunks do the same.” — Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tradition 10
Common struggles
“Can our group take a position on a local issue that affects alcoholics?” As a group, no. Individual members can do whatever they like — but not in AA’s name.
“What if the outside issue directly affects AA members?” Still no official position. AA’s experience is that the moment it takes sides, it loses the ability to help people on the other side.
Speaker talks on Traditions
- Beginners Guide to Traditions — ACA Speaker Meeting
- Why Traditions Matter — Erin D, Jody O
- Service and Traditions in ACA Fellowship — ACA Speaker Meeting
Related tags
principles · unity · tradition
All Traditions
Tradition 1 · Tradition 2 · Tradition 3 · Tradition 4 · Tradition 5 · Tradition 6 · Tradition 7 · Tradition 8 · Tradition 9 · Tradition 10 · Tradition 11 · Tradition 12