A.A.’s 7th Tradition (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.”

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Our 7th Tradition responsibility is ever present, there regardless of what is going on in our outside world. Given these challenging times, our Groups still need financial support. Your District still needs support, Area & Intergroup still need your support. A.A. World Services needs our support. Let’s not neglect those who were there for us when WE needed their support.

Your Group may decide to have a Zoom Group Conscience, or a phone meeting. You’ll have to decide about paying rent to the church, even though you’re not meeting there right now. Churches are finding themselves on the front lines, and they still need those donations coming in. Each Group will have to make these decisions for their own situation.

While we are meeting virtually, there are other ways to “Pass the Basket” and support these vital entities.

Here are a few:

Venmo: Easy to sign up for, link a debit card or bank account and you can “Click-Tribute” to your Group’s Treasury, to ensure that your Group will still be there when this is all over.

PayPal: Most of us have a PayPal account, and it can be used to direct your donations to your Group’s Treasurer, or other Trusted Servant.

Old fashioned U.S. Mail: Mail a check to your Group’s Treasurer, maybe for several week’s worth of 7th Tradition, and they can keep the Group informed about where they report at the Group Conscience Meeting.

Online Banking BillPay: You can direct a payment to your Group’s Treasurer. If the Group has a bank account, be sure that the “TO:” line is properly worded to avoid trouble depositing your donation.

Check back here often, and we’ll update the “Where To Send” as folks share that information with us. ??

For Example, South Jersey Intergroup accepts Venmo donations at: www.aasj.org/venmo or at PO Box 2514,
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 ??

Short on funds? There are many ways to show support. Call a homegroup member who doesn’t have a computer. Heck, call a homegroup member who does, but is still struggling with the isolation today.

Carry the message to someone else, and it will help to carry you.