When told that our Society has no president having authority to govern it, no treasurer who can compel the payment of any dues… our friends gasp and exclaim, "this simply can't be…”
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS p. 132
When I finally made my way to A.A., I could not believe that there was no treasurer to "compel the payment of dues." I could not imagine an organization that didn't require monetary contributions in return for a service. It was my first and, thus far, only experience with getting "something for nothing." Because I did not feel used or conned by those in A.A., I was able to approach the program free from bias and with an open mind. They wanted nothing from me. What could I lose? I thank God for the wisdom of the early founders who knew so well the alcoholic's disdain for being manipulated.
From the book Daily Reflections
© Copyright 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.