Self Support — The Seventh Tradition

Alcoholics Anonymous is self-supporting through the voluntary contributions of its members.

Tradition Seven states

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

This principle helps ensure that AA remains independent and guided only by its primary purpose — carrying the message to alcoholics who still suffer.

Over many years, AA has reaffirmed this commitment to financial self-support. Contributions from outside the Fellowship are declined, and if such contributions are received they are returned with a note explaining AA’s position.

Financial self-support is one of the ways members share responsibility for maintaining the services that help AA carry the message.

Supporting AA Services

AA services exist to support groups and help carry the message to alcoholics who still suffer.

In Australia, these services include:

• publishing and distributing AA literature
• maintaining national websites and digital services
• supporting service committees and activities
• assisting groups across Australia
• coordinating national service work through the General Service Office
• preserving AA archives

As the Fellowship grows and changes, these services continue to adapt to meet the needs of groups and members across the country.

As expressed in the Responsibility Statement:

“When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA always to be there.”

Self-support helps ensure that this remains possible.

Supporting AA at the Member Level

Many AA members choose to contribute to AA services as an expression of gratitude for their recovery.

In Australia, individual contributions are capped to ensure that AA remains self-supporting and that no single member contributes disproportionately.

Currently:

• Individual member contributions are limited to $15,000 per year
• Bequests from deceased members are limited to $25,000

These limits are reviewed periodically by the Fellowship.

Contributions are voluntary and anonymous, in keeping with AA traditions.

Supporting AA at the Group Level

Most AA groups contribute to AA services through their Seventh Tradition collections.

Groups typically use these funds to cover local expenses such as:

• meeting room rental
• literature
• refreshments
• local service activities

After covering their own expenses, many groups choose to contribute surplus funds to support wider AA services, including District, Area, CSO and national services.

Each group determines how these contributions are made through its own group conscience.

Non-Cash Contributions

As society increasingly moves away from cash, some groups have begun exploring additional ways for members to contribute.

Many groups now use banking facilities or electronic payment methods to allow members to contribute using cards or mobile payments.

Groups interested in exploring these options may wish to review Cashless Options for Groups in the Service Resources section or contact the General Service Office for guidance.

Making a Contribution

Members who wish to contribute directly to national services may do so through the AA Literature Store.

Available options include:

PayPal
paypal.me/AAGSOAustralia

Electronic Bank Transfer
BSB: 012006
Account Number: 009750529
Account Name: General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous Australia

Important Note

Alcoholics Anonymous accepts contributions only from AA members.

This helps ensure that AA remains fully self-supporting and independent, in keeping with the Seventh Tradition.