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 achieve recognition, power, or personal gain. “UNDERSTANDING ANONYMITY,” p. 5
Attraction is the main force in the Fellowship of A.A. The miracle of continuous sobriety of alcoholics within A.A. confirms this fact every day. It would be harmful if the Fellowship promoted itself by publicizing, through the media of radio and TV, the sobriety of well-known public personalities who became members of A.A. If these personalities happened to have slips, outsiders would think our movement is not strong and they might question the veracity of the miracle of the century. Alcoholics Anonymous is not anonymous, but its members should be.
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Anonymity is a sound policy. AA truly is an anomalous miracle of society. Groups outside AA that fail to respect the principal of anonymity become vulnerable to degradation in the public eye. Their celebrity members act out or become outrageous at the public level. In the 12×12 Bill explains anonymity as a form of humility. Humility as you know is the spiritual condition that opens us up to all of man kind. Humility allows the sunlight of the spirit into our lives.
What I am about to mention may speak to the fact that I have a long way to go where recovery is concerned…but perhaps not. I understand that this prose is referencing group anonymity, or at least that is how I read the language. Though personal anonymity is what I speak of here.
I attend a very large meeting occasionally in which I submit my slip into the basket to be signed along with a one dollar bill. My name is not on my slip, and I have never feared that it would not make it back to me(I have heard that some folks have had their slips stolen). My slip is distinctive in that it is provided to me by the department of health in my state. Each and every time I have attended this meeting my slip is held back unsigned at the place where the signer is sitting. After the meeting, if I am to retrieve my slip, I must go to the person who’s job it was to sign the slips and ask that it be signed. Invariably I am told that my name must be on the slip in order for it to be signed. I have even been told that it is for my protection should some court or other entity come inquiring.
It is my belief that I am entitled to sit in any meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous without ever having to divulge my name. I believe that should be my right as a member. I think that to require any member to conform to any rules that are not addressed in the Big Book is reflective of the agenda of someone else. I have found myself(and this is where my personal recovery or lack thereof comes in to play)silently vowing to never ever place my name on my slip just to spite them!
Any thoughts?
IMHO, just do the slips however you feel most comfortable. AA doesn’t require any info on you, so I guess it’s a court ordered doc, or similar. I don’t know how those things work exactly.
Susan,
In most states there is no accountability on court cards. Since AA is a program of attraction and not promotion or incarceration, I sign cards before the meeting so people can leave if they like. Many people here in California sign their own cards, get them signed at the bar, or have friends with various handwriting sign them. I would try another meeting where perhaps the secretary has less control issues. I would also look into other means of alcohol or drug recovery support. The Orange Papers have much info. It sounds like you may enjoy The Orange Papers.
http://www.orange-papers.org/