Tradition 05

(short) Each group has but one primary purpose—to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.
(long) Each Alcoholics Anonymous group ought to be a spiritual entity having but one primary purpose-that of carrying its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.

1. Primary principle(s): Primary purpose, responsibility, singleness of purpose
2. Other principles: identification, humility, integrity, understanding, self-discovery

Readings:

• 12 Steps & 12 Traditions - pp. 150-154
• The Twelve Traditions Illustrated - AAWS Pamphlet
• AA Comes of Age - pp. 106-107
• “We Are Not a Bunch of Religious Fanatics!”, November 1995 AA Grapevine
• “How About a Group Inventory”, October 2006 AA Grapevine

Grapevine traditions checklist:

1. Do I ever cop out by saying, “I’m not a group, so this or that Tradition doesn’t apply to me”?
   • Principles: responsibility, participation
2. Am I willing to explain firmly to a newcomer the limitations of AA help, even if he gets mad at me for not giving him a loan?
   • Principles: good as the enemy of the best, generosity, standing for principles
3. Have I today imposed on any AA member for a special favor or consideration simply because I am a fellow alcoholic?
   • Principles: purity, self sacrifice, integrity, responsibility, respect
4. Am I willing to twelfth-step the next newcomer without regard to who or what is in it for me?
   • Principles: willingness, open mindedness, primary purpose, diversity, faith
5. Do I help my group in every way I can to fulfill our primary purpose?
   • Principles: trust, willingness, unity, participation
6. Do I remember that AA old-timers, too, can be alcoholics who still suffer? Do I try both to help them and to learn from them?
   • Principles: respect, love and tolerance, humility