The Responsibility Statement

Singleness of Purpose

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

The AA Responsibility Statement was first introduced at the 1965 International Convention in Toronto. It reminds us that each member shares in the responsibility of carrying the message of recovery to the alcoholic who still suffers.

Many AA groups include the Responsibility Statement in meetings and service gatherings. It serves as a simple reminder that the continued strength of Alcoholics Anonymous depends on members being willing to help the next person who reaches out.

About Our Singleness of Purpose

AA is a fellowship made up of people from many different backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences. What unites us is a single purpose: to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety.

Early in its history, AA recognised the importance of keeping this focus clear. Other groups of alcoholics before us had lost their way when they tried to address many broader social issues. By maintaining a single purpose, AA has been able to remain united and effective in helping alcoholics recover.

Singleness of purpose does not limit what individual members choose to do in their personal lives. It simply reminds us that AA itself exists for one reason — helping alcoholics recover.

Passing It On

Most of us found sobriety because another alcoholic in AA was willing to share their time, experience, and understanding with us.

That help was given freely. While we can never repay those who helped us, we can pass the gift on to others.

Members do this in many ways — by welcoming newcomers, supporting meetings, sharing their experience, and taking part in service.

The Responsibility Statement is a reminder that the future of AA depends on members who are willing to pass it on.

AA’s Declaration of Unity

Closely connected with the Responsibility Statement is the AA Declaration of Unity, first presented at AA’s 35th anniversary in 1970:

“This we owe to A.A.’s future:
To place our common welfare first;
to keep our fellowship united.
For on A.A. unity depend our lives
and the lives of those to come.”

This declaration reflects the spirit of Tradition One:

“Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon A.A. unity.”

Unity allows AA to continue carrying its message of recovery. By placing our common welfare first, we help ensure that AA will remain available for alcoholics who may seek help in the years to come.

Why These Statements Matter

Together, the Responsibility Statement and the Declaration of Unity remind us of two essential ideas:

• Each member shares responsibility for carrying the message.
• The strength of AA depends on our unity as a fellowship.

By remembering both, we help ensure that the hand of AA will always be there for the next alcoholic who reaches out.