Our Spirit of Self Support
Tradition 7 tells us that AA should stay fully self-supporting and decline outside gifts. This is more than just paying bills; it is a spiritual act of taking responsibility for the tools that keep us sober. By contributing, we ensure AA stays free from outside influence and focused on carrying the message to the alcoholic who is still suffering.
Addressing Our Common Concerns
"Where does the money actually go?" Your group’s contributions fund the work no single group can do alone. Locally, your funds support Central Service Offices (CSO) which run helplines and keep literature in stock. Nationally, the General Service Office (GSO) maintains records and protects our Trademarks for everyone.
"Does the District really do anything?" The District is the "engine" of our local outreach. While groups focus on the meeting room, the District focuses on the world outside. We are currently spending $1,000 every month on billboard campaigns to ensure a newcomer can find their very first meeting. We have also designed and printed business cards, pamphlets and flyers for Groups to use.
"Why not just let the Area fund the District?" AA is built on groups supporting their service structure, not service bodies giving "handouts" to each other. When groups fund the District directly, it keeps our local service work independent and healthy. It ensures that the money you give is used exactly where your group conscience intended.
Concrete Impact: Carrying the Message
Local Billboards: It costs about $1,000 a month to keep our digital billboards running, which are becoming a major source of new members finding us.
12th Step Phones: CSO contributions keep local helplines active so there is always a voice at the end of the line.
Professional Outreach: District funds help us provide literature and information to local doctors and clinics, Police, Ambulance and other Professionals so they know AA is here.
How Your Group Can Decide
Every group is the "boss" of its own funds through a Group Conscience. Once you have paid your rent and set aside a prudent reserve (an emergency fund), you can decide how to split the rest. Instead of following a set formula, we invite you to look at the District’s current projects - like the billboards - and decide what portion of your surplus should go toward that local work.
Fund Management Transparency
We practice "corporate poverty," which means we do not hold onto extra money just to be wealthy. Our District Treasurer manages funds with full transparency, and our finances are reviewed regularly. It is a spiritual and practical "best practice" to move funds into the service structure quickly so they can be put to use immediately.
An Invitation to Service
Contributing is a voluntary act of gratitude, never an obligation. It is simply the "7th Tradition in Action," helping us reach the alcoholic who hasn't walked through our doors yet. We are grateful for whatever your group decides to share to keep our local outreach strong.
