Tradition 10

(short) Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
(long) No A.A. group or member should ever, in such a way as to implicate A.A., express any opinion on outside controversial issues-particularly those of politics, alcohol reform, or sectarian religion. The Alcoholics Anonymous groups oppose no one. Concerning such matters they can express no views whatever.

1. Primary principle(s): autonomous, indifference, non-affiliation, understanding,humility, freedom, respect, responsibility, singleness of purpose, unity
2. Other principles: acceptance, compassion, consideration, generosity, tolerance, tactfulness, trust, spirituality, self-control, group conscience, democracy, open-mindedness, honesty, discretion, anonymity, faith

Readings:

• Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions pp. 176-9
• AA Comes of Age pp. 123-8
• “Is Public Controversy Ever Justified?”, January, 1977 AA Grapevine
• “Let’s Give Each Other the Respect We Deserve”, May, 1996 AA Grapevine
• “Medication? It’s a Matter of Tradition”, October, 2002 AA Grapevine

Grapevine traditions checklist:

1. Do I ever give the impression that there really is an “AA opinion” on Antabuse? Tranquilizers? Doctors? Psychiatrists? Churches? Hospitals? Jails? Alcohol? The federal or state government? Legalizing marijuana? Vitamins? Al-Anon? Alateen?
   • Principles:
2. Can I honestly share my own personal experience concerning any of those without giving the impression I am stating the “AA opinion”?
   • Principles:
3. What in AA history gave rise to our Tenth Tradition?
   • Principles:
4. Have I had a similar experience in my own AA life?
   • Principles:
5. What would AA be without this Tradition? Where would I be?
   • Principles:
6. Do I breach this or any of its supporting Traditions in subtle, perhaps unconscious, ways?
   • Principles:
7. How can I manifest the spirit of this Tradition in my personal life outside AA? Inside AA?
   • Principles: