AA Australia Members Website

Welcome to the Alcoholics Anonymous membership section!

To make it easier for you to understand the terms on which we provide our services, we’ve tried to keep these terms of use (Terms) as simple as possible by using plain English.

When we use the words “Alcoholics Anonymous”, “we”, “our” or “us” in these Terms, we are referring to the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous Australia trading as Alcoholics Anonymous ABN 77 001 417 125.

The Alcoholics Anonymous Members website is an online community that offers valuable resources, information about the AA recovery program, and access to fellowship literature. This platform is designed to support members in all aspects of AA’s Three Legacies: Recovery, Unity, and Service. It provides tools and materials to enhance personal recovery, foster connections within the fellowship, and explore service opportunities. The site creates a safe and supportive environment for members to grow in their recovery journey while contributing to the collective strength of the AA community.

Alcoholics Anonymous membership is an online community available to individuals seeking support or information about alcoholism and the steps they can take to help themselves or others in their road to recovery (Membership). The Membership includes access to free resources and a moderated online forum, as further described in clauses 2.1 and 2.2 (each a Service and collectively the Services).

In these Terms:

“you” refers to the individual user participating in the Membership, which is available to those seeking support or information about alcoholism and the steps they can take for recovery.
a “Member” is any individual who has signed up for the Membership and is granted access to the Services, in accordance with these Terms.

What are these Terms about?

These terms apply when you sign up to be a member of Alcoholics Anonymous located on our website at members.aa.org.au (Website).

All capitalised words and phrases are shorthand to refer to recurring concepts. Each of these are defined in bold and in brackets after the concepts are first mentioned (including the words above!)

Acceptance of these Terms

Before you sign up as a Member with Alcoholics Anonymous please carefully read these Terms. If you don’t agree to these Terms, please don’t subscribe to the Membership. By proceeding to engage with Alcoholics Anonymous, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. MEMBERSHIP

1.1 CREATING AN ACCOUNT

(a) When you sign up as a Member, you are required to create an account on the Website (Account).

(b) As part of the Account registration process, you must provide personal information and details, such as your email address, first and last name, preferred username, a secure password, postal and physical addresses, mobile phone number, and other information as determined by us from time to time.

(c) You warrant that any information you give to us in the course of completing the Account registration process is accurate, honest, correct and up-to-date.

(d) You agree that you’re solely responsible for:

(i) managing your Account and ensuring that you only access and engage with the Services in an appropriate manner;

(ii) maintaining the confidentiality and security of your Account information and your password; and

(iii) any activities and those of any third party that occur through your Account, whether those activities have been authorised by you or not.

(e) You also agree to let us know if you detect any unusual activity on your Account as soon as you become aware of it.

(f) We won’t be responsible to you for, and expressly disclaim any liability for, any cost, loss, damages or expenses arising out of a failure by you to maintain the accuracy, security of your Account information or your password.

1.2. TERM & CANCELLATION

(a) The Membership begins on the date you create an Account and continues indefinitely until you choose to cancel.

(b) (Cancellation by you) To cancel your Membership, you must notify Alcoholics Anonymous by emailing: [email protected]. You can cancel at any time.

(i) you breach any of these Terms; or

(ii) we decide to discontinue providing the Services or Membership.

1.3 PAYMENT & CONSIDERATION

The Membership is provided free of charge. While no fees are charged for the Membership, Alcoholics Anonymous and its members agree that the mutual benefits and obligations of the Membership constitute adequate consideration for the ongoing provision of membership services. The terms and conditions of membership remain in effect as described, regardless of the absence of monetary payment.

2. SERVICES & DISCLAIMERS

2.1 RESOURCES

(a) As part of the Membership, Members will have access to a variety of downloadable materials provided in PDF format, including but not limited to:

(i) instructions for various roles within Alcoholics Anonymous;

(ii) press kits;

(iii) correctional kits;

(iv) guidelines;

(v) the Alcoholics Anonymous service manual;

(vi) any other material provided by Alcoholics Anonymous, (together the “Resources“).

(b) The Resources are provided solely for personal, non-commercial use by Members to support their participation in Alcoholics Anonymous. Members may download, print, and use the Resources for their personal recovery journey or for assisting others within the scope of Alcoholics Anonymous activities.

(c) Redistribution, reproduction, modification, or public distribution of the Resources beyond personal use is strictly prohibited unless explicitly permitted in writing by Alcoholics Anonymous.

(d) Alcoholics Anonymous reserves the right to update, modify, or remove any of the Resources at its sole discretion without notice to Members.

(e) The Resources are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice, including medical, psychological, or legal advice. Members should seek appropriate professional guidance when necessary.

2.2 FORUM

As part of the Membership, you may have access to our online forum (Forum), which provides a space for Members to post questions, responses, and other information (Content). By participating in the Forum, you agree to the following terms:

(a) (Moderation) All Content posted on the Forum is subject to moderation by Alcoholics Anonymous or its appointed moderators. Moderators may review, edit, or remove any Content that is deemed inappropriate, offensive, misleading, or otherwise in violation of these Terms, at their sole discretion. Moderators also reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to the Forum if you violate any of the Terms.

(b) (Prohibited Content) You agree not to post any Content that:

(i) is offensive, defamatory, abusive, harassing, vulgar, obscene, profane or contains any pornographic, sexist, homophobic or racist material;

(ii) contains personal information or identifies others without their consent;

(iii) is commercial, promotional, or spam in nature;

(iv) encourages illegal activity or violates any law or regulation; or

(v) violates the privacy or intellectual property rights of others.

(c) (Member responsibility) You are solely responsible for the Content you post. While Alcoholics Anonymous will moderate the Forum, we do not guarantee the accuracy, integrity, or quality of any content posted by Members. You understand that participation in the Forum is at your own risk. Alcoholics Anonymous will not be liable for any errors or omissions in any of your posts or for any loss or damages incurred as a result of the use of any information contained in the Forums.

(d) (No confidentiality) The Forum is not a confidential space, and any Content you post is visible to other Members. Please exercise caution when sharing personal or sensitive information.

(e) (Content to remain) Any Content you post will remain on the Forum even if you are no longer a member of the Membership.

(f) (Termination of Access) Alcoholics Anonymous reserves the right to terminate or suspend your access to the Forum without prior notice if you breach any of the terms outlined in this clause 2.2.

2.3 DISCLAIMER

(a) The information, Resources, services, and Forum discussions provided on this Website are intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, psychological, or professional advice. Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of individuals who share their experiences to support each other in overcoming alcoholism. This Website, including its Forum and Resources, is not a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.

(b) The content on this Website, including any Forum posts, Resources, articles, testimonials, or shared personal experiences, is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider or counselor for any mental health, medical, or psychological condition, including alcohol use disorder. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website, in the Resources or in the Forum.

(c) While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, Alcoholics Anonymous does not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of any information shared on this Website, in the Resources or in the Forum. The views expressed in Forum discussions are those of individual Members and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of Alcoholics Anonymous.

(d) Participation in Alcoholics Anonymous, including engagement in the Forum or use of the Resources, is voluntary, and individual experiences and outcomes may vary. Alcoholics Anonymous makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, about the effectiveness or outcomes of attending meetings, participating in the Forum, using the Resources, or following any suggested guidance provided through this Website. Success in addressing alcoholism or achieving sobriety depends on various individual factors, and Alcoholics Anonymous does not guarantee results.

(e) Participation in Alcoholics Anonymous, including its Forum and use of the Resources, is voluntary, and the results may vary for individuals. If you have a medical condition or require mental health support, we strongly encourage you to seek professional assistance.

(f) Alcoholics Anonymous is not responsible for the content of external links, or for information shared by users in the Forum or included in the Resources, and the inclusion of any link or Forum post, or Resource, does not imply endorsement. By using this Website, participating in the Forum, or accessing the Resources, you acknowledge that Alcoholics Anonymous shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages arising from the use or misuse of the information provided.

(g) For any urgent or medical issues, please contact a healthcare provider immediately.

2.4 THIRD PARTY TERMS

(a) If Alcoholics Anonymous is required to acquire goods or services supplied by a third party, you may be subject to the terms and conditions of that third party (Third Party Terms). The Third Party Terms we may use include:

(i) Vision6

(ii) MailChimp;

(iii) Gravity Forms;

(iv) Google (including for Google Workspace and Google Cloud); and

(v) Ultimate Member

(b) Provided that Alcoholics Anonymous has notified you of such Third Party Terms and provided you with a copy of those terms, you agree to any Third Party Terms applicable to any goods or services supplied by a third party that you or Alcoholics Anonymous acquires as part of providing the goods or services and Alcoholics Anonymous will not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by you in connection with such Third Party Terms.

(c) You have the right to reject any Third Party Terms. If you reject the Third Party Terms, Alcoholics Anonymous cannot provide the Services to you and clause 1.2 will apply.

3. YOUR OBLIGATIONS

You must not:

(a) upload sensitive information or commercial secrets using the Website or Forum;

(b) upload any inappropriate, offensive, illicit, illegal, pornographic, sexist, homophobic or racist material through the Website or Forum;

(d) copy, mirror, reproduce, translate, adapt, vary, modify, sell, decipher or decompile any part or aspect of the Website without our express consent;

(e) use the Website for any purpose other than the purposes of browsing, selecting or purchasing goods;

(f) use, or attempt to use, the Website in a manner that is illegal or fraudulent or facilitates illegal or fraudulent activity;

(g) use, or attempt to use, the Website in a manner that may interfere with, disrupt or create undue burden on the Website or the servers or networks that host the Website;

(h) use the Website with the assistance of any automated scripting tool or software;

(i) act in a way that may diminish or adversely impact our reputation, including by linking to the Website on any other website; and

(j) attempt to breach the security of the Website, or otherwise interfere with the normal functions of the Website, including by:

(i) gaining unauthorised access to Website accounts or data;

(ii) scanning, probing or testing the Website for security vulnerabilities;

(iii) overloading, flooding, mailbombing, crashing or submitting a virus to the Website; or

(iv) instigate or participate in a denial-of-service attack against the Website.

4. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

4.1 OUR IP

(a) Intellectual Property Rights in all information, Resources and other materials provided as part of, connected to or associated with the Services (including information from other Members provided or collected as part of the Services) are owned or licensed by us. Except as permitted under applicable laws, no part of the material can be reproduced, adapted, distributed, displayed, transmitted or otherwise exploited for any purposes without our express written consent.

(b) You will not under these terms acquire Intellectual Property Rights in any of Our IP. Any Developed IP will be solely and exclusively owned by us.

4.2 DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this clause 4:

(a) “Developed IP” means any materials produced or provided by us in the course of providing Services or by other Members connected to or associated with the Services including Forum posts, Resources, documentation, reports, data, designs, concepts, strategies, videos, audio recordings, know-how, information, advice, opinions, emails, notes whether in draft or final form, in writing, provided orally, either alone or in conjunction with you or others, and any Intellectual Property Rights attaching to those materials.

(b) “Our IP” means all materials owned or licensed by us that is not Developed IP and any Intellectual Property Rights attaching to those materials.

(c) “Intellectual Property Rights” means any and all present and future intellectual and industrial property rights throughout the world, including copyright, trademarks, designs, patents or other proprietary rights, confidential information and the right to have information kept confidential, or any rights to registration of such rights whether created before or after the date of these Terms, whether registered or unregistered.

5. POSTED MATERIALS

5.1 WARRANTIES

By providing or posting any information, Content, or other content in connection with the Website and/or Forum (Posted Material), you represent and warrant that, and must ensure that all Users make equivalent representations and warranties:

(a) you are authorised to provide the Posted Material (including by being authorised to provide any services that you represent you provide);

(b) the Posted Material is accurate and true at the time it is provided;

(c) any Posted Material which is in the form of a review or feedback is honest, accurate and presents a fair view of the relevant person and/or your experience;

(d) the Posted Material is free from any harmful, discriminatory, defamatory or maliciously false implications and does not contain any offensive or explicit material;

(e) the Posted Material is free from any material that may harm our reputation or that of associated or interested parties;

(f) the Posted Material is not “passing off” of any product or service and does not constitute unfair competition;

(g) the Posted Material does not infringe any Intellectual Property Rights, including copyright, trademarks, business names, patents, confidential information or any other similar proprietary rights, whether registered or unregistered, anywhere in the world;

(h) the Posted Material does not contain any viruses or other harmful code, or otherwise compromise the security or integrity of the Website n or any network or system; and

(i) the Posted Material does not breach or infringe any applicable laws.

5.2 LICENCE

(a) You grant to us a perpetual, irrevocable, transferable, worldwide and royalty-free licence (including the right to sublicense) to use, copy, modify, reproduce and adapt any Intellectual Property Rights in any Posted Material in order for us to use, exploit or otherwise enjoy the benefit of such Posted Material.

(b) If it is determined that you retain moral rights (including rights of attribution or integrity) in any Posted Material, you release us from any and all claims that you could assert against us by virtue of any such moral rights, and you must ensure that all Users grant an equivalent release.

(c) You indemnify us against all damages, losses, costs and expenses incurred by us arising in connection with any third party claim that Posted Material infringes any third party’s Intellectual Property Rights.

5.3 REMOVAL

(a) The Website acts as a passive conduit for the online distribution of Posted Material and has no obligation to screen Posted Material. However, we may, in our absolute discretion, review and remove any Posted Material from the Website at any time without giving any explanation or justification for removing the Posted Material, including if we determine that the Posted Material infringes a third party’s Intellectual Property Rights, or is reasonably likely to.

(b) You agree that you are responsible for keeping and maintaining records of Posted Material.

6. DATA SECURITY

While Alcoholics Anonymous will use its best efforts to ensure that any member information, data or other electronic materials (Member Data) that is being backed-up or stored as part of the Services will be stored securely, Alcoholics Anonymous will not be liable for any unauthorised use, destruction, loss, damage or alteration to the Member Data, including due to hacking, malware, ransomware, viruses, malicious computer code or other forms of interference.

7. INFORMATION ON THE WEBSITE

While we will use our best endeavours to ensure the Website is as up-to-date and accurate as possible, you acknowledge and agree that from time to time, you may encounter the following issues:

(a) the Website may have errors or defects;

(b) the Website may not be accessible at times;

(d) information you receive or supply through the Website may not be secure or confidential; or

(e) any information provided through the Website may not be accurate or true.

We reserve the right to change any information or functionality on the Website by updating the Website at any time without notice.

8. LINKS TO OTHER WEBSITES

(a) The Website may contain links to other websites that are not our responsibility. We have no control over the content of the linked websites and we are not responsible for it.

(b) Inclusion of any linked website on the Website does not imply our approval or endorsement of the linked website.

9. SECURITY

We do not accept responsibility for loss or damage to computer systems, mobile phones or other electronic devices arising in connection with use of the Website. You should take your own precautions to ensure that the process that you employ for accessing the Website does not expose you to risk of viruses, malicious computer code or other forms of interference.

10. REPORTING MISUSE

If you become aware of misuse of the Website by any person, any errors in the material on the Website or any difficulty in accessing or using the Website, please contact us immediately using the contact details or form provided on our Website.

11. PRIVACY

You agree to be bound by our Privacy Policy, which can be found here.

12. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

(a) A party claiming that a dispute has arisen under or in connection with this agreement must not commence court proceedings arising from or relating to the dispute, other than a claim for urgent interlocutory relief, unless that party has complied with the requirements of this clause.

(b) A party that requires resolution of a dispute which arises under or in connection with this agreement must give the other party or parties to the dispute written notice containing reasonable details of the dispute and requiring its resolution under this clause.

(c) Once the dispute notice has been given, each party to the dispute must then use its best efforts to resolve the dispute in good faith. If the dispute is not resolved within a period of 14 days (or such other period as agreed by the parties in writing) after the date of the notice, any party to the dispute may take legal proceedings to resolve the dispute.

13. LIABILITY

(a) To the maximum extent permitted by law and subject to clause 13(b), the total liability of each party in respect of loss or damage sustained by the other party in connection with these Terms is limited to $100 (AUD).

(b) Clause 13(a) does not apply to your liability in respect of loss or damage sustained by us arising from your breach of clauses 2.1(c), 2.2(b), 3, 4 and 5.

(c) (Consequential loss) To the maximum extent permitted by law, neither party will be liable for any incidental, special or consequential loss or damages, or damages for loss of data, business or business opportunity, goodwill, anticipated savings, profits or revenue in connection with these Terms or any goods or services provided by us, except:

(i) in relation to a party’s liability for fraud, personal injury, death or loss or damage to tangible property; or

(ii) to the extent this liability cannot be excluded under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth).

14. GENERAL

4.1 GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

This agreement is governed by the law applying in New South Wales, Australia. Each party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales, Australia and courts of appeal from them in respect of any proceedings arising out of or in connection with this agreement. Each party irrevocably waives any objection to the venue of any legal process on the basis that the process has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

4.2 WAIVER

No party to this agreement may rely on the words or conduct of any other party as a waiver of any right unless the waiver is in writing and signed by the party granting the waiver.

4.3 SEVERANCE

Any term of this agreement which is wholly or partially void or unenforceable is severed to the extent that it is void or unenforceable. The validity and enforceability of the remainder of this agreement is not limited or otherwise affected.

4.4 JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY

An obligation or a liability assumed by, or a right conferred on, two or more persons binds or benefits them jointly and severally.

4.5 ASSIGNMENT

A party cannot assign, novate or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations under this agreement without the prior written consent of the other party.

4.6 ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This agreement embodies the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes any prior negotiation, conduct, arrangement, understanding or agreement, express or implied, in relation to the subject matter of this agreement.

4.7 INTERPRETATION

(a) (singular and plural) words in the singular includes the plural (and vice versa);

(b) (gender) words indicating a gender includes the corresponding words of any other gender;

(c) (defined terms) if a word or phrase is given a defined meaning, any other part of speech or grammatical form of that word or phrase has a corresponding meaning;

(d) (person) a reference to “person” or “you” includes an individual, the estate of an individual, a corporation, an authority, an association, consortium or joint venture (whether incorporated or unincorporated), a partnership, a trust and any other entity;

(e) (party) a reference to a party includes that party’s executors, administrators, successors and permitted assigns, including persons taking by way of novation and, in the case of a trustee, includes any substituted or additional trustee;

(f) (this agreement) a reference to a party, clause, paragraph, schedule, exhibit, attachment or annexure is a reference to a party, clause, paragraph, schedule, exhibit, attachment or annexure to or of this agreement, and a reference to this agreement includes all schedules, exhibits, attachments and annexures to it;

(g) (document) a reference to a document (including this agreement) is to that document as varied, novated, ratified or replaced from time to time;

(h) (headings) headings and words in bold type are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation;

(i) (includes) the word “includes” and similar words in any form is not a word of limitation;

(j) (adverse interpretation) no provision of this agreement will be interpreted adversely to a party because that party was responsible for the preparation of this agreement or that provision; and

(k) (currency) a reference to $, or “dollar”, is to Australian currency, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Terms and Conditions