“Our membership ought to include all who suffer alcoholism. Hence we may refuse none who wish to recover. Nor ought AA membership ever depend on money or conformity. Any two or three alcoholics gathered together for sobriety may call themselves an AA group.“

“This clearly implies that an alcoholic is a member if he says so; that we can’t deny him membership; that we can’t demand from him a cent; that we can’t force our beliefs or practices on him; that he may flout everything we stand for and still be a member. In fact, our (3rd) Tradition carries the principle of independence for the individual to such an apparently fantastic length that, so long as there is the slightest interest in sobriety, the most unmoral, the most antisocial, the most critical alcoholic may gather about him a few kindred spirits and announce to us that a new Alcoholics Anonymous group has been formed.”

From The Language of the Heart, page 32.

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One Thing To Tell Newcomers

“The Language of the Heart”

“For to our kind, those who suffer alcoholism, recovery is a matter of life or death. So the Society of Alcoholics Anonymous cannot, it dare not, ever be diverted from its primary purpose.”

Fortunately, for all of us, Bill knew what an undying promoter and glory seeker he was, as are most of us.

“Temptations to do otherwise will come aplenty. Seeing fine works afoot in the field of alcohol, we shall be sorely tempted to loan out the name and credit of Alcoholics Anonymous to them; as a movement we shall be beset to finance and endorse other causes. Should our present success continue, people will commence to assert that AA is a brand new way of life, maybe a new religion, capable of saving the world. We shall be told it is our bounden (?) duty to show modern society how it ought to live.”

Putting aside the fact that today’s modern society needs a LOT of help, it somehow feels to me that Bill had had a case of possible wishful thinking.

“Oh, how very attractive these projects and ideas can be! How flattering to imagine that we might be chosen to demonstrate that olden mystic promise: “The first shall be last and the last shall be first.” Fantastic, you say. Yet some of our well-wishers have begun to say such things.”

I have the suspicion that right about here God delivered a reality check to ole’ Bill and Bill became re-centered

“Fortunately, most of us are convinced that these are perilous speculations, alluring ingredients of that new heady wine we are now being offered, each bottle marked Success!

Of this subtle vintage may we never drink too deeply. May we never forget that we live by the grace of God – on borrowed time; that anonymity is better than acclaim; that for us as a movement poverty is better than wealth.

And may we reflect with ever deepening conviction, that we shall never be at our best except when we hew only to the primary spiritual aim of AA. That of carrying its message to the alcoholic who still suffers alcoholism.”

Thank you God for keeping Bill on the right track…

For those of you who think Alcoholics Anonymous is supposed to give you your life back – think again! Do you really want that life back? Or have you been spewing “sound good” in meetings?

Post from: Blisstree

Bill Wilson On The Fifth Tradition

Directly from the pamphlet “The AA Group, Where It All Begins” page 19, comes these wise words;

“Treasurers generally maintain clear records (a ledger is helpful) and keep their groups informed about how much money is taken in and how it is spent. They may make periodic reports to the group and post financial statements quarterly. Problems can be avoided by keeping group funds in a separate group bank account that requires two signatures on each check. The flyer “The A.A. Group Treasurer” offers many other helpful suggestions.

A.A. experience clearly shows that it is not a good idea for a group to accumulate large funds in excess of what is needed for rent and other expenses. It is wise, though, to keep a prudent reserve in case an unforeseen need arises (an amount to be determined by the group conscience). Group troubles also may arise when extra-large donations—in money, goods or services— are accepted from one member.”

Another thought – if you’re having what may be a problem with a treasurer, the first thing to remember is that the group no doubt voted the person in, and, this person is a recovering person and still ought to be considered imperfect. Help them unless they are so far gone attitude wise that they are beyond human aid once again. Then 3rd Step them…

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Your Group Treasury