"Every A. A. group ought to be fully self supporting, declining outside contributions.
In the beginning, A. A. was practiced and lived within the homes of the first members. As time continued, the need arose for larger places to meet. Today there are some meetings that include thousands of alcoholics. They are not the norm, and most groups are of modest numbers, but as the A. A. groups grow, so does the need for funding meetings.
As in the Sixth Tradition, A. A. is not for sale, but there is a need to generate funding for the group.
There are no dues or fees, and this is what we put them in… The basket is passed at every A. A. meeting to insure that the group may carry its message to the alcoholics who still suffer.
The money goes toward rent and utilities, big books, 12 &12s, literature, chips, and other support materials. Most groups also contribute to the A. A. local Inter-group and A. A. districts.
Some groups get rather creative in supporting themselves. There have been dances, picnics, barbecues, yard sales, raffles, and auctions. In keeping with the traditions, the promotion of such events is kept within the A. A. community, not advertised to the general public, but there is usually a great turnout.
For those groups fortunate enough to have their own facility, be it rented or owned by the group, the upkeep is done mostly by sober alcoholics as part of their twelfth step.
We do not seek funding from the general public.
Tradition Eight
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