SAFETY

SAFETY CARD FOR A.A. GROUPS

The General Service Office has made this optional card available as an A.A. service piece for in-person/online groups that wish to use it. Please feel free to utilize, choose a section(s) or adapt the text to your group’s needs.

Tradition Five states: Each group has but one primary purpose — to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.

Any person seeking help with a drinking problem is welcome at this group. No A.A. entity determines an individual’s membership in Alcoholics Anonymous. It is this group’s conscience that if any person endangers another individual or disrupts the group’s efforts to carry A.A.’s message, the group may ask that person to leave the meeting.

This group strives to safeguard the anonymity of A.A. members and attendees; however, keep in mind that anonymity in A.A. is not a cloak for unsafe and illegal behavior. Address- ing such behavior and/or contacting the proper authorities when appropriate, does not go against any A.A. Traditions and is meant to ensure the safety of all in attendance.

The short form of Tradition One states: “Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon A.A. unity.” 

Recognizing the importance of group unity, our group strives to create a safe meeting environment in which alcoholics can focus on achieving sobriety.

Additional Sharing 

•Safety is a topic within A.A. that groups and members can address. Developing workable solutions to help keep meetings safe can be based on the principles of A.A. In discussions about safety, keep the focus on our primary purpose, our common welfare, and placing principles before personalities.

•Predatory behaviors and unwanted sexual advances are in conflict with carrying the A.A. message of recovery and with A.A. principles.

•A.A. does not provide medical advice or detox services; it has no opinion on outside issues, including medication. Medical advice should come from a qualified physician.

•The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking. Groups and mem- bers strive to create a safe environment for the alcoholic who still suffers.

•If safety concerns arise, individuals can speak with a sponsor, members of the group, a trusted friend and/or a professional to address the concern.

•Service entities, such as areas, districts and intergroup/central offices, are available to help provide A.A. services and shared experience. All groups and entities in A.A. are autonomous. There is no government within A.A. And no central authority to control or direct its members, but we do share our experience, strength and hope. 

Service Material from the General Service Office For more information on this topic, see the service piece “Safety and A.A.: Our Common Welfare” (SMF-209) at aa.org.

Rev. 4/22