Tradition 2: The Basis of AA's Non-Governmental Status
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is often misunderstood as a traditional 12-step program with a focus on abstaining from alcohol. However, AA stands for "Alcoholics Anonymous," and the core of its philosophy is based on the principles of non-attendance, non-abandonment, non-governance, and non-idols. AA is non-profit, meaning it does not have the legal entity required for federal income tax purposes. Additionally, AA is a fellowship rather than a membership organization, meaning it relies on the principles of mutual support and the free will of its members to operate without centralized governance.
Tradition 2 is the foundation of AA's non-governmental status and serves as the guiding principle for the group's operations. AA's non-abandonment policy means members do not have the right to force others to participate in AA meetings or engage in AA activities. AA does not have a president, vice presidents, or a board of directors. Instead, AA operates through a consensus-based system where members vote on major decisions, allowing for a diverse range of viewpoints to be represented.
The principle of non-idols in AA is rooted in the belief that AA should not elevate any individual, belief, or group above the others. This principle ensures AA acts as a level playing field, where everyone is treated equally and no one is favored over another. AA aims to be inclusive and welcoming to all酗ics seeking recovery, regardless of their background or beliefs. This focus on non-governance, non-abandonment, and non-idols has allowed AA to operate successfully without centralized authority for over 90 years.
However, this approach to governing AA's operations can also be misconstrued as a lack of accountability or transparency. Some may argue that without centralized authorities, AA cannot effectively address issues such as sexual abuse in the ranks, financial misuse, or conflicts within the group. AA has grappled with these challenges in the past and has implemented various measures to address这些问题, including adopting new policies and procedures and enhancing its reporting mechanisms.
Despite these challenges, AA has historically been successful in maintaining its non-governmental status through a combination of free will, mutual support, and the unwavering commitment to the AA motto, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." While AA continues to operate under the principles of traditional non-governance, it is also aware of the need for flexibility and innovation to address emerging issues and adapt to changing circumstances.
In conclusion, AA's non-governmental status is based on the principles of non-attendance, non-abandonment, and non-governance. These principles reflect the AA philosophy and are integral to the group's ability to operate successfully without centralized authority. While AA has faced challenges in addressing certain issues, its commitment to the principles of non-governance remains unwavering. As AA enters its second century of operation, it looks forward to continuing to grow and evolve while adhering to the guiding principles of tradition 2.