Tradition Seven

[MajestyJo]

Tradition Seven: Every A.A. group ought to be fully
self-supporting, declining outside contributions.

Alcoholics are certainly all-or-nothing people. Our
reactions to money prove this. As A.A. emerged from
its infancy into adolescence, we swung from the idea
that we needed vast sums of money to the notion that
A.A. shouldn’t have any. On every lip were the words
“You can’t mix A.A. and money. We shall have to separate
the spiritual from the material.” We took this violent new
tack because here and there members had tried to make
money out of their A.A. connections, and we feared we’d
be exploited. Now and then, grateful benefactors had
endowed clubhouses, and as a result there was sometimes
outside interference in our affairs. We had been presented
with a hospital, and almost immediately the donor’s son
became its principal patient and would-be manager. One
A.A. group was given five thousand dollars to do with
what it would. The hassle over that chunk of money played
havoc for years. Frightened by these complications, some
groups refused to have a cent in their treasuries.

Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, page 161

It was so important for me to take the traditions and recognize them for tools to be applied to my daily life, not just my home group. It wasn't always about money, it was about giving time and energy as well. I was told not to give away anymore than I could afford and not to take without giving back.

This tradition is the one that made me realize that the traditions were not just for the groups but for daily living in my own home. It didn't matter that I had less money than others, it was about being self-supporting with what I did have and finding acceptance of where I was at.

There use to be so much money left and so little money. The sign of progress is having money the day before payday for me. Being able to play bridge when I want to. One of my partners asked me about playing in the Hamilton Bridge Tournament next month. I said, "I am not sure I can afford to go, but check into when you want to schedule a game and I'll see. He said, "I don't mind paying your way." I said, "Well if you want to play more than one game, I will pay for one, you can pay for the other." I would really like to go. The last time I played my partner and I came first in our division. We only played on a Saturday afternoon and there were games Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The old me would have wanted to play every session and been in there like a dirty shirt. I would have borrowed the money if need be to be there. Today I can look at things with a more realistic outlook and accept what is. I am so grateful for the gifts of this program.

A post I made in 2009