The Principles Behind the 12 Traditions of A.A.
Alcoholics Anonymous, a 12-step program, was created to help alcoholics "solve their common problem" and to "help others to recover from alcoholism." The 12 traditions of A.A. were designed to guide and govern the organization and its individual meetings.
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No Governing Body
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One purpose of the traditions is to establish that there is no governing body. The only authority in A.A. is "a loving God." The second tradition emphasizes that having leaders is acceptable but says that they "do not govern."
Requirements for Membership
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The traditions are clear that the only requirement for membership is "a desire to stop drinking," as stated in the third tradition. There are no applications, dues, fees or obstacles to membership -- just an individual desire to stop drinking.
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Refusal to Comment on Outside Issues
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Alcoholics Anonymous does not want to comment on or become involved in outside issues. The organization has no interest in becoming a political commentator or a moral judge on any issues. The 10th tradition states that they have "no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy."
Anonymity
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Anonymity is the keystone of A.A. Tthe 11th tradition reaffirms that members "need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films." It is not acceptable to step into the public spotlight as a representative or member of A.A.
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