AA Program & Principles
The foundations of recovery and unity in Alcoholics Anonymous.
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes.
Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
The Twelve Steps are a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral problems. The Twelve Traditions are a set of guidelines for the operation of AA groups and the fellowship as a whole.
An AA group is a gathering of alcoholics who meet regularly to help each other stay sober. Groups are autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or AA as a whole. Each group has but one primary purpose—to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.
Group Responsibilities:
- Maintain a welcoming environment for all members
- Elect a General Service Representative (GSR)
- Support AA through voluntary contributions
- Keep meeting information current with Central Service
- Follow the 12 Traditions in all group matters
- •AA is not affiliated with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution.
- •There are no dues or fees for AA membership. We are self-supporting through our own contributions.
- •AA is not a treatment program; it's a fellowship of shared experience, strength, and hope.
- •Anonymity is a spiritual foundation, not a way to hide. It protects all members at the public level.
- •First names only. Please help protect personal anonymity at the public level.
- •Group updates: send changes to Central Service promptly to keep our directory current.
- •Hybrid/online meetings: share joining instructions clearly and safely.
- •Respect the traditions in all group matters and public communications.