Seventh Tradition

The Seventh Tradition of Alcoholics Anonymous states:  

“Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.” 

While contributions cover each group’s rent and other expenses, the Seventh Tradition is essential at every level 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 central service office, area, and the General Service Office remain self-supporting.

Many groups decide to have their contribution distributed in line with the 60:30:10 split (60 percent of contribution to the Area G CSO: 30 percent of the contribution to the GSO: 10 percent of the contribution to Area G). It is entirely up to the Group how or if any distribution is made.

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 our contribution is secondary to the spiritual connection that unites all groups around the world. In light of this, Alcoholics Anonymous Australia does not accept donations from non members. 

What Does Area G Do with the Contributions?

The contributions made to Area G are used to fund Area G services including work undertaken by the Are G Corrections, Public information, Treatment  and LGBTI committees. Any money received directly by Area G are NOT split and are used exclusively at the discretion of the Area Assembly for administration and outreach within Area G.

What does the Group Treasurer Need to Do?

A Group Treasurer can make contributions directly to who they want to support (e.g. Area CSO, GSO and Area G), or the Group Treasurer can ask the Area G CSO to split the contribution for the group to the respective organisations.  

Please remember when you are making 7th Tradition contributions to identify on the electronic deposit  forms which group is making the donation and if you want the donation split how you would like this done.