Tradition 8
“Alcoholics Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers.”
“Alcoholics Anonymous will never have a professional class. We have gained some understanding of the ancient words ‘Freely ye have received, freely give.’” — Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tradition 8
Tradition 8 draws a clear line: AA’s Twelfth Step work — one alcoholic helping another — is never paid. But the administrative work that supports that mission can be.
What it means
“Nonprofessional” — no one gets paid to sponsor, to share their story, to carry the message. The moment money enters that relationship, something essential is lost.
“It is not the matter of giving that is in question, but when and how to give. That often makes the difference between failure and success.” — Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 98
“Service centers may employ special workers” — AA’s offices, answering services, and publishing operations need paid staff. That’s different from Twelfth Step work. The distinction is between service to the fellowship’s infrastructure and the personal work of recovery.
“We cannot professionalize our Twelfth Step work. But we can and must pay those who do the necessary administrative work of A.A.” — Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tradition 8
Why it matters
“The minute we put our work on a service plane, the alcoholic commences to rely upon our assistance rather than upon God. We are there to help him find a Power greater than himself.” — Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 98
Paid counselors and therapists do valuable work. But that work is different from what happens when one alcoholic sits with another and says: this happened to me, and here’s what helped. That can’t be bought or sold.
“We who are in A.A. do not professionalize our Twelfth Step work. We do it freely, as a gift.” — Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tradition 8
Common struggles
“Can an AA member be paid to work at a treatment center?” Yes — as an individual, not as an AA representative. Their AA membership and their employment are separate things.
“Can our group pay someone to answer the phone for our hotline?” Yes. That’s the kind of service work Tradition 8 allows to be compensated.
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 · sponsorship · 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