“Every A.A. group ought to be fully self‑supporting, declining outside contributions.” — Short Form, Tradition Seven

Alcoholics Anonymous thrives when we carry our message through our own efforts—time, energy, and yes, financial contributions—to support our groups. This is more than sound policy; it’s the practical expression of God working through us. As the long form of Tradition Seven reminds us, acceptance of outside money “is highly dangerous” and earning our way in the rooms protects A.A. from disputes over “property, money, and authority.”

Any time we look at the Traditions, we need to look at both the short AND long form (original form). Here’s the long form:

“The A.A. groups themselves ought to be fully supported by the voluntary contributions of their own members. We think that each group should soon achieve this ideal; that any public solicitation of funds using the name of Alcoholics Anonymous is highly dangerous, whether by groups, clubs, hospitals, or other outside agencies; that acceptance of large gifts from any source, or of contributions carrying any obligation whatever, is unwise. Then, too, we view with much concern those A.A. treasuries which continue, beyond prudent reserves, to accumulate funds for no stated A.A. purpose. Experience has often warned us that nothing can so surely destroy our spiritual heritage as futile disputes over property, money, and authority.”. An A.A. group can bind itself to no one.”

From Before A.A. to After

Before walking through the doors of A.A., many of us—often in the grip of active alcoholism—struggled to take care of ourselves, much less support anyone else. We were used to taking: money, attention, even relationships. Inside the program, we begin giving ourselves in a new way: we show up, we chip in, we serve.

“Financial independence stimulates our engagement in our own recovery.” This shift—from always taking to choosing to give—is more than financial; it is symbolic of an internal transformation.

The Spiritual Principle: Responsibility

The principle underlying Tradition Seven is responsibility. We are each responsible for sustaining the Fellowship that sustains us. Whether it’s a dollar (or $5) in the basket, paying rent for the meeting space, or setting aside a prudent reserve, each action reinforces our commitment—not just to the rooms but to our own spiritual growth.

A tradition checklist invites us to ask:

• Am I doing all I can to help my group remain self‑supporting?

• Could I give a little more on behalf of the newcomer who can’t yet afford to?

• Is a group treasurer’s report “unimportant AA business,” or does it matter to me?

These questions aren’t trivial—it’s through our answers that we define our spiritual discipline.

Giving Versus Taking: A Fundamental Shift

We are reminded of the paradox: “money and spirituality must continue to mix” so “the hand of A.A. will always remain outstretched.” Spiritually, each time we give—even a small amount—we’re choosing to align with God and take up our part in this Fellowship.

This shift—from a personality of taking to one of giving—impacts more than our wallets. It softens our self-centeredness, boosts our self-respect, and lightens the weight of obligation. We learn that our true wealth lies not in bank balances, but in bearing the message and living by service.

Our Responsibility in Action

• Show Up with intentionality—presence matters.

• Chip In generously—not just what you can spare, but what upholds the group.

• Serve behind the scenes—treasurer, secretary, coffee maker, greeter, singer… someone has to do it!

Each of these acts keeps A.A. alive, but more importantly, keeps us alive—spiritually alive.

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A Call to Action: From “What Can I Get?” to “How Can I Give?”

When many of us first came into the rooms of A.A., we gave little more than our brokenness, our desperation, and perhaps a crumpled dollar bill—if that. And that was enough. A.A. welcomed us anyway. But now? We’ve grown. We’ve become recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. We’ve been transformed by grace, community, the Steps, and by God.

So now we ask ourselves:

• Am I still giving like the newcomer I once was, or am I giving like the sober, spiritually awakened person I’ve become?

• Am I participating in keeping the doors open for the next person who will walk in just like I did?

Whether it’s dropping more in the basket, volunteering for service, or sponsoring someone new, our giving should grow as we grow. Let your giving reflect your gratitude.

Because today, we get to give—not just to keep the lights on, but to keep the miracle alive.

In love & service,

Rick W.