Declining these contributions keeps the fellowship independent from outside influences.
It also cuts out the need to constantly chase donor funding and government grants.
Many come to AA at rock bottom, without a job or place to stay.
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The AA co-founders understood this and Tradition 7 protects the program from getting outside help.
The program shows how an alcoholic who was socially irresponsible came to be responsible.
AA member Tigger notes, “For a long time some of us were ‘that pitiful drunk.’
Some people felt we were only looking for a handout in life.
Maybe some of us were, but no more.
Now with our pennies, we helpmaintain our own sobriety.
stands for We Help Ourselves.”
