AA Tradition 7 Checklist

Maintaining the integrity of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) groups is paramount to the success of the organization. AA Tradition 7, which states, “Every AA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions,” emphasizes the importance of financial autonomy within each group. To ensure that AA groups adhere to this principle and maintain their self-sufficiency, it is crucial to have an AA Tradition 7 Checklist. This checklist serves as a guide for groups to assess their financial practices and commitment to self-support. Below are eight questions to consider:

Details for AA Tradition 7 Checklist

1. Is our group generating enough income through member contributions to cover our expenses:

Ensuring that your group can sustain itself financially through member contributions is a fundamental aspect of Tradition 7.

2. Are we accepting donations or financial assistance from outside sources, and if so, is it in line with Tradition 7:

This item encourages groups to evaluate whether they are inadvertently compromising their self-supporting status by accepting external funds.

3. Do we have a transparent and accountable system for managing group finances:

Transparency in financial management is essential to maintain trust among members and adhere to Tradition 7.

4. Are we budgeting responsibly to ensure that our group remains financially self-supporting:

Responsible budgeting is key to prevent overspending and ensure the group's sustainability.

5. Do we educate our members about the importance of financial self-support and Tradition 7:

Member education on Tradition 7 fosters a shared commitment to financial self-sufficiency.

6. Are there any gray areas in our group's financial practices that need clarification:

Addressing any uncertainties or ambiguities in your group's financial practices is essential to maintain Tradition 7's integrity.

7. Have we explored creative ways to increase our self-supporting capabilities without violating Tradition 7:

Encourage your group to brainstorm innovative solutions to improve self-support without compromising the tradition.

8. Are we actively contributing to our local AA service structure to support the Fellowship at large:

Supporting the broader AA Fellowship helps maintain the health and vitality of the organization as a whole.

FAQ for AA Tradition 7 Checklist

1. Can our group accept donations from non-members?

No, AA Tradition 7 encourages each group to be fully self-supporting, meaning it should rely solely on member contributions for financial support.

2. What if our group can't cover all its expenses through member contributions alone?

If your group struggles to cover expenses, consider cost-saving measures or adjustments to your financial practices to ensure self-sufficiency.

3. Are there exceptions to Tradition 7, such as during emergencies?

Tradition 7 is a guiding principle, but in exceptional circumstances, groups may temporarily accept outside contributions to meet urgent needs. This should be done with care and a clear plan to return to self-support.

4. How can we educate members about the importance of Tradition 7?

Host discussions, share literature, and emphasize the significance of self-support during meetings and group events.

5. What if a member insists on making a large donation from their personal funds?

It's essential to kindly inform the member that AA groups are fully self-supporting. Encourage them to contribute within the group's financial guidelines.

In Summary

The AA Tradition 7 Checklist serves as a vital tool to ensure that AA groups maintain their commitment to self-support and adhere to Tradition 7. By addressing key questions and examining their financial practices, groups can uphold the principles that have been central to AA’s success for decades. Embracing Tradition 7 not only fosters financial independence but also contributes to the strength and unity of the Fellowship as a whole.

ChecklistComplete

AA Tradition 7 Checklist

Is our group generating enough income through member contributions to cover our expenses?

Are we accepting donations or financial assistance from outside sources, and if so, is it in line with Tradition 7?

Do we have a transparent and accountable system for managing group finances?

Are we budgeting responsibly to ensure that our group remains financially self-supporting?

Do we educate our members about the importance of financial self-support and Tradition 7?

Are there any gray areas in our group's financial practices that need clarification?

Have we explored creative ways to increase our self-supporting capabilities without violating Tradition 7?

Are we actively contributing to our local AA service structure to support the Fellowship at large?