Alcoholics Anonymous Tradition #8: Paid Staff Help Make 12 Step Work Possible
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a global fellowship of men and women who have openly faced their alcohol problems and sought recovery through AA's Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. The Twelfth Step of AA states that members should always be available for service, which means volunteering their time and resources to help others recover from alcoholism and related issues. However, some AA members may not have the necessary resources or knowledge to perform these services, which is where paid staff members come in.
Paid staff members in Alcoholics Anonymous are individuals who have been trained and certified by AA to lead meetings, provide counseling services, and teach the Twelve Steps. These individuals work alongside volunteers and contribute significantly to the success of AA's programs and services. While AA members volunteer their time and energy, paid staff members provide additional support and guidance to ensure that the message of recovery is conveyed effectively and consistently.
AA's approach to alcoholism recovery is unique, as it emphasizes spiritual growth and service to others. The Twelfth Step of AA states that members should be “of service in all ways” and this principle extends to paid staff members as well. These individuals are not just there to help alcoholics attend meetings or receive counseling services; they are there to actively engage in the process of recovery and make a positive impact on the lives of those who are struggling with alcoholism.
For example, AA's International convention in recent years has included sessions focused on teaching professional counselors how to effectively deliver the message of AA's Twelve Steps within their local communities. These sessions have covered topics such as how to effectively engage with those who are addicted to alcohol, how to navigate legal and financial issues related to alcoholism, and the importance of community support and belonging within the AA fellowship.
Additionally, paid staff members in酒精ics Anonymous play a crucial role in coordinating the logistics of AA's programs and services. This includes facilitating meetings, arranging transportation for those attending meetings, and managing the financial resources of the fellowship. By doing so, paid staff members ensure that AA's programs and services are accessible and sustainable, which allows more individuals to benefit from AA's recovery resources., Alcoholics Anonymous Tradition #8 highlights the importance of paid staff members in supporting the implementation of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions within the AA fellowship. By providing additional support and guidance, paid staff members enable alcoholics to access and benefit from AA's proven approach to recovery. Ultimately, the collective efforts of both paid and volunteer members contribute to the successful implementation of AA's mission of helping alcoholics achieve and maintain lifelong recovery from alcoholism.
