Nov
30
PROTECTION FOR ALL
November 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
At the personal level, anonymity provides protection for all members from identification as alcoholics, a safeguard often of special importance to newcomers. At the level of press, radio, TV, and films, anonymity stresses the equality in the Fellowship of all members by putting the brake on those who might otherwise exploit their A.A. affiliation to [...]
Nov
29
“ACTIVE GUARDIANS”
November 29, 2008 | Leave a Comment
To us, however, it represents far more than a sound public relations policy. It is more than a denial of self-seeking. This Tradition is a constant and practical reminder that personal ambition has no place in A.A. In it, each member becomes an active guardian of our Fellowship. TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 183
The [...]
Nov
28
ATTRACTION, NOT PROMOTION
November 28, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Through many painful experiences, we think we have arrived at what that policy ought to be. It is the opposite in many ways of usual promotional practice. We found that we had to rely upon the principle of attraction rather than promotion. TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, pp. 180-81
While I was drinking I reacted with [...]
Nov
27
THE PERILS OF THE LIMELIGHT
November 27, 2008 | Leave a Comment
In the beginning, the press could not understand our refusal of all personal publicity. They were genuinely baffled by our insistence upon anonymity. Then they got the point. Here was something rare in the world — a society which said it wished to publicize its principles and its work, but not its individual members. The [...]
Nov
26
THE HAZARDS OF PUBLICITY
November 26, 2008 | Leave a Comment
People who symbolize causes and ideas fill a deep human need. We of A.A. do not question that. But we do have to soberly face the fact that being in the public eye is hazardous, especially for us. TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 181
As a recovered alcoholic I must make an effort to put [...]
Nov
25
A POWERFUL TRADITION
November 25, 2008 | Leave a Comment
In the years before the publication of the book “Alcoholics Anonymous,” we had no name. . .by a narrow majority the verdict was for naming our book “The Way Out.” . . .One of our early lone members. . . found exactly twelve books already titled “The Way Out.”. . . So “Alcoholics Anonymous” became [...]
Nov
24
A UNIVERSAL SEARCH
November 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Be quick to see where religious people are right. Make use of what they offer. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 87
I do not claim to have all the answers in spiritual matters, any more than I claim to have all the answers about alcoholism. There are others who are also engaged in a spiritual search. If I [...]