Tradition 6
“An A.A. group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the A.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property, and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.”
“We have to keep A.A. free of outside entanglements. We have to avoid the temptation to use the A.A. name and the A.A. reputation for purposes other than our primary one.” — Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tradition 6
Tradition 6 protects AA from the corrupting influence of money, property, and prestige — three things that have destroyed countless organizations.
What it means
“Never endorse, finance, or lend the A.A. name” — AA doesn’t put its name behind treatment centers, hospitals, publishers, or any other enterprise, no matter how worthy.
“We know that we must avoid the terrible distractions of money, property, and personal authority. We know that we must never use the A.A. name in connection with outside enterprises.” — Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tradition 6
“Lest problems of money, property, and prestige divert us” — the reason is stated plainly. These things divert. They always have. They always will.
“As soon as money and property come in the door, love and service go out the window.” — Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tradition 6
Why it matters
“We have seen A.A. members go into the treatment business, the publishing business, the counseling business — all using the A.A. name. And we have seen what happens. The A.A. name gets associated with failure, with controversy, with money problems. The primary purpose gets lost.” — Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tradition 6
AA cooperates with many outside organizations — hospitals, treatment centers, courts — but it does not affiliate with them. The distinction matters enormously.
“A.A. can cooperate with anyone. But it cannot affiliate with anyone.” — Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tradition 6
Common struggles
“A treatment center wants to use the AA name in their marketing.” Tradition 6 says no. AA cooperates with treatment centers but doesn’t lend its name to them.
“Our group wants to raise money for a local charity.” As a group, that’s outside AA’s primary purpose. Individual members can do whatever they like — but not in AA’s name.
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
service · principles · 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