Contribute to Area 1

A.A.’s Seventh Tradition states:  “Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.”  This means that only A.A. members contribute financially to A.A. – and even A.A. members are limited in the amount they can contribute. This keeps A.A. free of outside influences that might divert us from our primary purpose — to help the alcoholic who still suffers. The amount of the contribution is secondary to the spiritual connection that unites all groups around the world.

While contributions cover each group’s rent and other expenses, the Seventh Tradition is essential to all areas of A.A. service. It is both a privilege and a responsibility for groups and members to ensure that not only their group, but also their intergroup/central office, local services, district, area, and the General Service Office remain self-supporting. The General Service Conference suggests that individual groups, through an informed group conscience, adopt a specific contribution plan tailored to meet the group’s financial situation. Once the group’s expenses have been taken care of the group may decide to further carry the message by sending money to the following A.A. service entities.