Each month we focus on a Step, Tradition, and Concept, and provide a quote from Bill W.
Step 12
Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
“True ambition is not what we thought it was. True ambition is the deep desire to live usefully and walk humbly under the grace of God.”
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 124
Tradition 12
Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.
“The spiritual substance of anonymity is sacrifice. Because A.A.’s Twelve Traditions repeatedly ask us to give up personal desires for the common good, we realize that the sacrificial spirit—well symbolized by anonymity—is the foundation of them all.”
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 184
Concept 12
The Conference shall observe the spirit of A.A. tradition, taking care that it never becomes the seat of perilous wealth or power; that sufficient operating funds and reserve be its prudent financial principle; that it place none of its members in a position of unqualified authority over others; that it reach all important decisions by discussion, vote, and whenever possible, by substantial unanimity; that its actions never be personally punitive nor an incitement to public controversy; that it never perform acts of government, and that, like the Society it serves, it will always remain democratic in thought and action.
“It is probable that we A.A.’s possess more and greater freedom than any fellowship in the world today. As we have already seen, we claim this as no virtue. We know that we personally have to choose conformity to A.A.’s 12 steps and 12 traditions or else face dissolution and death, both as individuals and as groups.”
Twelve Concepts for World Service, p. 58
All quotes from Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts for World Service are reprinted with permission from A.A. World Services, Inc.
