Tradition 12

(short) Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.
(long) And finally, we of Alcoholics Anonymous believe that the principle of Anonymity has an immense spiritual significance. It reminds us that we are to place principles before personalities; that we are actually to practice a genuine humility. This to the end that our great blessings may never spoil us; that we shall forever live in thankful contemplation of Him who presides over us all.

1. Primary principle(s): humility, anonymity, sacrifice
2. Other principles: acceptance, consideration, courage, faith, forgiveness, generosity, good nature, grace, helpfulness, honesty, hope, integrity, kindness, love, open-mindedness, patience, compassion, reflection, self-sacrifice, selflessness, surrender, tolerance, trust, understanding, prayer

Readings:

• AA Comes of Age - pp. 131-137
• 12 Steps & 12 Traditions - pp.184-187
• Lanquage of the Heart - pp. 209-218
• The Twelve Traditions Illustrated - AAWS Pamphlet
• “AA in the 21st century”, April 1995 AA Grapevine

As the “spiritual foundation of all our Traditions”, just how important is anonymity?

I get that it has the most to do with our first Tradition (Unity) and here we are wrapping up with it in number 12.

My own struggles around this deal are certainly paramount in what I think I need to be about.  If I’m ever doing something to get the credit for having done it, well, we know about that alcoholic ego.  In fact, it feels as if I am going to die when I make that sacrifice.

And, amazingly, that’s when I’ve truly come to life.

Grapevine traditions checklist:

1. Why is it good idea for me to place the common welfare of all AA members before individual welfare? What would happen to me if AA as a whole disappeared?
   • Principles: unselfishness, strength in numbers, sacrifice, surrender, mutual trust, unity
2. When I do not trust AA’s current servants, who do I wish had the authority to straighten them out?
   • Principles: trust, group conscience
3. In my opinions of and remarks about other AAs, am I implying membership requirements other than a desire to stay sober?
   • Principles: primary purpose, sacrifice, surrender, open mindedness, egalitarianism
4. Do I ever try to get a certain AA group to conform to my standards, not its own?
   • Principles: humility, surrender, inclusion, informed group conscience
5. Have I a personal responsibility in helping an AA group fulfill its primary purpose? What is my part?
   • Principles: primary purpose, acceptance
6. Does my personal behavior reflect the Sixth Tradition—or belie it?
   • Principles: honesty, integrity, humility
7. Do I do all I can do to support AA financially? When is the last time I anonymously gave away a Grapevine subscription?
   • Principles: generosity, self-support, responsibility, ownership, participation, sacrifice, giving back
8. Do I complain about certain AAs’ behavior—especially if they are paid to work for AA? Who made me so smart?
   • Principles: tolerance, open mindedness, humility, sacrifice, generosity, restraint, responsibility, discernment
9. Do I fulfill all AA responsibilities in such a way as to please privately even my own conscience? Really?
   • Principles: honesty, integrity, responsibility, sacrifice, accountability
10. Do my utterances always reflect the Tenth Tradition, or do I give AA critics real ammunition?
    • Principles: common welfare, humility, responsibility, ownership
11. Should I keep my AA membership a secret, or reveal it in private conversation when that may help another alcoholic (and therefore me)? Is my brand of AA so attractive that other drunks want it?
    • Principles: humility, intuitive response, sacrifice, willingness, open mindedness
12. What is the real importance of me among more than a million AAs?
    • Principles: anonymity, humility, full membership, acceptance, responsibility