Tradition 7
“Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.”
“Every A.A. group ought to be self-supporting. This means that each group ought to pay its own way. No group need be beholden to anyone.” — Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tradition 7
Tradition 7 keeps AA free. Money from outside sources always comes with strings — even when the donor intends none.
What it means
“Fully self-supporting” — groups pay their own rent, buy their own literature, and cover their own expenses through the voluntary contributions of members.
“We have a saying: ‘We are self-supporting through our own contributions.’ This is not just a financial principle. It is a spiritual one.” — Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tradition 7
“Declining outside contributions” — AA does not accept money from non-members, estates, foundations, governments, or corporations. Not because the money is bad, but because dependence on outside money is.
“We have learned that we cannot buy our own peace of mind at the expense of others. We cannot accept money from people who are not members of A.A.” — Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tradition 7
Why it matters
“Bill W. once received a large bequest for A.A. He turned it down. He knew that outside money would eventually control A.A. — even if the donor never intended it.” — Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tradition 7
The history of charitable organizations is full of missions that were gradually redirected by the priorities of their funders. AA’s answer was to refuse outside funding entirely.
“The A.A. groups themselves ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions. This is not just a financial principle. It is a statement of independence.” — Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tradition 7
Common struggles
“Our group is struggling financially. Can we accept a donation from a local business?” Tradition 7 says no. The solution is to ask members to contribute more, not to accept outside money.
“Someone left money to AA in their will.” AA’s general service office has a policy of returning such bequests or limiting them. Individual groups should do the same.
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