Note From Anonymous

Anonymity defined:
refers to a person, and often means that the personal identity or personally identifiable information of that person is not known.

The 11th tradition is "Our" PUBLIC RELATIONS POLICY
I have not found too many "policies" listed in our literature. Always a flash point for discussion, this policy was developed with help from folks outside of AA, as well as inside.

The 12+12 mentions a group of 100 AAs who felt that personal anonymity was for "the horse and buggy days", and not relevant to our society as we grew and times changed. The press however saw it differently. They actually helped "police" our PUBLIC RELATIONS POLICY by not showing photos and names in some of their articles.

After reading the tradition in the 12+12 as well as the Long Form from the Big Book I think it's pretty clear why this tradition exists and is very important. "Personal ambition has no place in AA", I agree; "each member becomes an active guardian of our fellowship", hmmm; this leads me to the word responsibility. A word I hated and ran from for many years before being blessed and lead to a new life through the steps and traditions.

The Long Form goes on to state, "there is no need to praise ourselves" motives, motives, motives. What do I stand to gain by becoming the poster boy for AA? Money, power, prestige? I think these words are mentioned a few time in our literature as well... Another line says, "we feel it better to let our friends recommend us". Nothing better than a personal recommendation, is there?

I love AA with all my heart. Before I came to AA I wanted to check out, in more than one way. Since being nursed through the steps the first time; I learned to walk on my own. I now feel a deep sense of responsibility to carry on the traditions that have allowed me and my family to prosper and continue to grow.

It is my turn to give back. My experiences in AA have taught me how to deal with everything. To be committed to an awesome women. To have a incredible son who teaches me how to be a man, to see the sparkle in someones eye when they first "get" the GOD thing. It is very much worth being part of a society instead of a "movement" or a foundation.

AA is a unique spiritual community that continues to heal so many people. Why would I want to change something that I feel is the result years of trials and tribulations? I don't see people trying to change the Bible or the Koran. We are all free to interpret.

Anonymous

A Note From Dan L.

I'm an alcoholic named Dan. Or Dan L.
I've earned, or I should say, paid in full, many times over, in sordid and painful ways, for the privilege of entering an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting room and practicing the Third Tradition. I started embracing sobriety well after the Internet boom of the early 90's. Part of my recovery toolbox has included places that end in .org, .net and .com from the start. The Internet, The Great Anonymizer...

At first, Tradition Eleven loomed large on my mind. But to my surprise, any concerns I may have had disappeared as I got into 'online recovery', joining a few forums, getting close to friends unseen. I went through a period where I was less worried about adding my picture to group photos and such. After all... The Internet is only a two dimensional world, I rationalized to myself.

Just for today, I can scavenge the deep recess I call my soul, And feel satisfied that I observe, to the best of my ability, The tenets of Tradition Eleven.
A part of me will always crave having sobered up along Dr. Bob. In the meantime, however, I can honor him, and his contemporaries, who laid down so much of the foundation I use today, by being a sober alcoholic of my time. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share here.

A Note From Dick B.

I observe the tradition of anonymity in using Dick B. and in not posting pictures. Sometimes when you are addressing unknown places or scholars it slips through. And no one drinks or dies.

You ought to know how strongly Dr. Bob favored the idea of letting your name and address and phone be known so that people could get help. Same for Clarence Snyder and almost every early AA. They had rosters, names, addresses, phones, etc. Moreover, we are flooded with public people who present their names and pictures for good reasons and bad.

I suppose at age 82 I am more likely to recall the many long-time AAs who just don’t care about whether their names are used or not. Don’t you believe the real issue is whether people are concerned with, and active in helping the alcoholic who still suffers. That includes teaching the Big Book, Twelve Steps, history, Bible, and necessity for God.

I think Bob Pearson said it well in his parting address. A.A. has become rigid, doctrinal, and controlling; and that has caused many to withdraw into their shells and forget about Twelve-stepping, particularly if and when they are Christians carrying the message of God’s love, availability, power, and guidance.