2025 Topic #004 -“Safeguarding AA policy document”

Topic #004/2025 “Safeguarding AA policy document” to be produced as an educational animation.

What do you want Conference to do?

Providing a Consistent, Accessible Safety Resource

A safety video would ensure that all groups have a consistent resource for safety education, rather than relying on word-of-mouth or inconsistent local guidelines. It could be:

• Shown at Newcomer Meetings: Giving new members clear expectations and empowerment from the start.
• Available Online: Members can watch it at their own pace if they miss a meeting.
• Incorporated into Group Literature: Allowing it to complement existing AA guidelines on safety.

What issue does this proposal address?

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provides a life-saving support network for individuals recovering from alcoholism. However, AA must prioritize the safety and well-being of its members. While AA literature addresses issues such as anonymity and sponsorship, there is no standardized safety video to educate members on how to recognize and prevent potential safety risks. Developing a safety video would enhance AA’s mission by fostering a secure environment where all members can focus on recovery without fear of harm.

By educating members, groups and all service entities on safety, risks and prevention strategies, AA can continue to provide a supportive, inclusive and secure environment for all who seek recovery.

Background information that supports this proposal

AA meetings are open to individuals from all walks of life, including those who may pose safety risks to vulnerable members. Concerns include:

• Predatory Behavior: Vulnerable newcomers, especially women, have reported being targeted by older, more experienced members (often referred to as “13^th stepping”).
• Emotional and Psychological Abuse: Some members may manipulate others, pressuring them into harmful relationships or financial exploitation.
• Physical Safety: While rare, there have been instances of physical altercations or threats within meetings.

A safety video would provide clear guidance on identifying abuse, neglect, exploitation, bullying, harassment and discrimination. Providing information about boundaries and taking appropriate action when issues arise. There is ample evidence of AA already producing this kind of material:

Example 1 : https://youtu.be/qN6t4jAXJd0  

Example 2 : https://youtu.be/21Hrfa9kTOc

Example 3: https://youtu.be/m_hWmFLAz5g

How will this proposal benefit the fellowship or the still suffering alcoholic? 

Reinforcing AA’s Commitment to a Safe Space

AA groups operate under the principle of mutual support, but newcomers may not always understand how to navigate the fellowship safely. A safety video would:

• Clarify Group Autonomy and Responsibilities: Each AA group is autonomous, but all groups should prioritize member safety. The video can outline best practices without conflicting with AA’s traditions.
• Encourage Healthy Sponsorship Relationships: It can provide guidance on choosing a sponsor who respects boundaries and does not exploit their sponsee.
• Understand Anonymity with Caution: While Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of AA, members should be cautious about sharing personal information with people they do not know well.
• It will ensure offensive behaviour will not be condoned.

What are the estimated costs of implementing this suggestion?

$1000 – $5000 or perhaps a member has the capacity to produce something consistent with the links already provided.

At what level of group conscience (if any) was this topic discussed?

“” is a meeting. This topic has been workshopped amongst those attending this meeting, which consist of past and current delegates and members currently active in the national service structure.