How and why A.A. practices the Seventh Tradition.
A.A.’s Seventh Tradition states: “The A.A. groups themselves ought to be fully supported by the voluntary contributions of their own members. We think that each group should soon achieve this ideal; that any public solicitation of funds using the name of Alcoholics Anonymous is highly dangerous, whether by groups, clubs, hospitals, or other outside agencies; that acceptance of large gifts from any source, or of contributions carrying any obligation whatever, is unwise. Then, too, we view with much concern those A.A. treasuries which continue, beyond prudent reserves, to accumulate funds for no stated A.A. purpose. Experience has often warned us that nothing can so surely destroy our spiritual heritage as futile disputes over property, money, and authority.”
August is Gratitude Month – where as a Fellowship we make a one-off contribution towards a special project determined by the General Service Conference. Money collected from Gratitude Month 2025 will go towards carrying the message of recovery to Māori and Pacific Peoples. Some ideas include Pacific outreach through funding literature and banners, supporting rangatahi into A.A. through our PI work on social media and assisting Pacific Peoples and Māori alcoholics in prisons, hospitals, and treatment centres.
IF THERE ARE NO DUES OR FEES FOR A.A. MEMBERSHIP, WHY DO WE PASS THE BASKET AT MEETINGS?
Twelfth Step work is the lifeblood of Alcoholics Anonymous — carrying the message to the next suffering alcoholic. Without it, the Fellowship would wither and die. Yet, even at its simplest level this vital contact between one alcoholic and another involves an investment of time and money.
To help support A.A.’s essential services, the General Service Conference suggests that individual groups, through an informed group conscience, adopt a specific contribution plan tailored to meet the group’s financial situation. Once the basic group expenses have been taken care of (i.e., rent, refreshments, A.A. literature etc.) and a “prudent reserve” has been set aside to cover any emergency contingencies that might arise, the group may decide to further carry the message by sending money to local, district and area committees and A.A.’s General Service Office.
A.A. co-founder Bill W said – “Our groups, our areas, and A.A. as a whole will not function unless our services are sufficient and their bills are paid.”
Here’s how you or your group can help support A.A.’s general services.
BANK DETAILS
Account Name: New Zealand Gen Service Board of A.A.
Account Number: 06-0501-0236572-00
Contact: [email protected]
Auckland Service Centre
Account Name: AA Auckland Service Centre Inc
Account Number: 03-0252-0162540-00
Contact: [email protected]
Northern Area Assembly
Account Name: Northern Area Assembly of Alcoholics Anonymous
Account Number: 12-3045-0419482-00
Northland District Committee
Account Name:
Account Number: 11-5147-0019446-11
Auckland District Committee
Account Name: AKLD DC OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS AND HOSTING COMMITTEE AA NAT
Account Number: 12-3077-0595552-00
North Auckland District Committee
Account Name: North Auckland District Committee of AA Zone 1
Account Number: 12-3435-0026991-00
Waikato District Committee
Account Name: Waikato Area District Committee AA
Account Number: 03-1556-0040029-00
Contact: [email protected]
Rotorua Intergroup
Account Name: Rotorua Intergroup
Account Number: 01-0414-0095599-00
Contact: [email protected]
Central Area Assembly
Account Name: CAA Trading As ‘AA’
Account Number: 12-3157-0239056-00
Mid Central Intergroup
Account Name: MC Intergroup AA
Account Number: 02-0632-0088127-000
Contact: [email protected]
Hawkes Bay Intergroup
Account Name: Hawkes Bay Inter Group
Account Number: 06-0765-0988225-00
Contact: [email protected]
Wellington District Committee – Main
Account Name: Alcoholics Anonymous Wellington District Committee Main
Account Number: 03-0558-0219941-00
Wellington District Committee – Pink Tin
Account Name: Alcoholics Anonymous Wellington District Committee Pink Tin
Account Number: 03-0558-0219941-01
Contact: [email protected]
Southern Area Assembly
Account Name: Southern Area Assembly of Alcoholics Anonymous
Account Number: 02-0944-0034048-00
Contact: [email protected]
Nelson Intergroup
Account Name: Nelson District A.A. Intergroup
Account Number: 38-9023-0431293-00
Contact: [email protected]
Christchurch Intergroup
Account Name: Christchurch Intergroup Service Committee
Account Number: 01-825-0001171-00
Contact: [email protected]
Dunedin Intergroup
Account Name: Alcoholics Anonymous Incorporated – Dunedin Intergroup
Account Number: 38-9022-0389513-00
Southland Intergroup
Account Name: Southland Intergroup A A
Account Number: 03-1746-0040230-000
Contact: [email protected]
The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking, and there are no dues or fees. However, groups do have running expenses such as meeting room hire, literature and coffee. Groups ‘pass the basket’ at meetings as a way to meet these expenses and ensure our essential services outside of the group can continue to carry the message to the alcoholic who still suffers. While there is no minimum requirement, individual contributions to GSO are limited to $6,000 a year per member.
No. In keeping with the traditions, GSO accepts contributions only from members, groups, or other A.A. entities.
Most groups try to hold a certain amount of money in reserve. There is no predetermined amount for such a reserve, but most groups try to put aside enough money to cover at least one to three months’ operating expenses. Our experience shows that an accumulation of A.A. funds for unspecified purposes beyond a prudent level may divert a group’s attention from carrying the message to the alcoholic who still suffers.
Bequests in wills are acceptable only from A.A. members on a one-time basis, and not in perpetuity. The limit is $25,000.
Suggested clause for insertion in wills: “I as a member give to the New Zealand General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous Incorporated the sum of $??? and the receipt of the Treasurer for the time being of that Incorporated Society shall be sufficient discharge and indemnity to my Executors.”
Every August, A.A. observes Gratitude Month – a time for members to express gratitude for their sobriety by making a one-off contribution. One suggestion is that members give $1 for each year of their sobriety. The General Service Conference also sets a Gratitude Month theme to support A.A.’s primary purpose of carrying the message of recovery. In the past, contributions from Gratitude Month have gone towards creating member videos, updating the website, establishing the archives and more.
Make a Gratitude Month contribution:
Account Name: New Zealand Gen Service Board of AA
Account Number: 06-0501-0236572-07
Reference: Gratitude
Particulars: Group Name and Group Number
The “group conscience” is the collective conscience of the group membership and thus represents substantial unanimity on an issue before definitive action is taken. This is achieved by the group members through the sharing of full information, individual points of view, and the practice of A.A. principles. To be fully “informed” requires a willingness to listen to minority opinions with an open mind. On sensitive issues, the group works slowly — discouraging formal motions until a clear sense of its collective view emerges. Placing principles before personalities, the membership is wary of dominant opinions. Its voice is heard when a well-informed group arrives at a decision. The result rests on more than a “yes” or “no” count — precisely because it is the spiritual expression of the group conscience. The term “informed group conscience” implies that pertinent information has been studied and all views have been heard before the group votes.
The A.A. groups themselves ought to be fully supported by the voluntary contributions of their own members.
A useful resource for group treasurers to understand their role and help manage the group’s finances.
