The Alcoholics Anonymous Preamble
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
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(The statement above, which is read at the beginning of many AA meetings around the world, is known as the Preamble of AA. According to a recent estimate, there are more than 2 million AA members and 100,000 AA groups in 150 countries throughout the world.)
The Anonymity Statement
There may be some here who are not familiar with our Tradition of personal anonymity at the public level:
“Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio and films."
Thus, we respectfully ask that A.A. speakers and A.A. members not be photographed, videotaped, or identified by full name on audiotapes and in published or broadcast reports on new media technologies such as the internet.
The assurance of anonymity is essential in our efforts to help other problem drinkers who may wish to share our recovery program with us. And our Tradition of anonymity reminds us that “A.A. principles come before personalities.”
The Area 25 Preamble
Service shall be Area 25’s primary purpose. All Area 25 activities will be aimed at assisting Kansas A.A. groups to function more effectively. Area 25 will also try to insure that the Area’s group conscience is conveyed through the general service structure to the General Service Conference, to help the Conference fulfill its primary purpose of acting as the “true voice” of A.A. Area 25 shall encourage all Kansas A.A. groups to support the Area in its efforts to carry out this goal.
The Responsibility Declaration
I am Responsible. When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there. And for that: I am responsible.