Narcotics Anonymous, as a fellowship, is defined by its principles. While recovery and unity are conscious elements in the process of living sober, the Concepts remain the domain of trusted servants in the general service structure. The A.A. Service Manual Combined With Twelve Concepts for World Service, PDF. ... Luckily I was introduced to the idea that the steps actually represent some simple concepts, some basic principles to live by. Since volunteer service had not been a part of my life in active alcoholism, chairing meetings, answering telephones at our Intergroup office, and keeping commitments to go outside of AA to do public information speaking when asked–these were a major change in my priorities and provided important exercises in character building. The AA Principles and Virtues Honesty Step 1. Not until I was sober for a decade, with considerable experience in AA service, did I become General Service Representative (GSR) for my home group. In Overeaters Anonymous, the Twelve Steps serve as the spiritual principles that support our personal recovery from compulsive overeating. In fact, we can easily name at least a dozen—one for each of the 12 Steps of AA. Alcoholics Anonymous first published Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions in 1953. bill W., who along with Dr. bob S. founded Alcoholics Anonymous in 1935, wrote the book to share 18 years of collective experience within the Fellowship on how A.A. members recover, and how our society functions.In recent years some members and friends of A.A. have asked if it would be wise to update the language, idioms, and historical references in the book to present a more contemporary image for the Fellowship. Concepts as they apply to our structure in Great Britain. They have custodial oversight of the separately incorporated and constantly active services, exercising this through their ability to elect all the directors of these entities. SPIRITUAL AWARENESS/SPIRITUALITY (step 11 & tradition 12) SERVICE (step 12) UNITY (tradition 1 & concept 1) TRUST (tradition 2 & concept 3) IDENTITY (tradition 3) AUTONOMY(tradition 4) PURPOSE (tradition 5) SOLIDARITY (tradition 6) RESPONSIBILITY (tradition 7 & concept 6) Composition, qualifications, induction procedures, and rights and duties will always be matters of serious concern. For on AA unity depend our lives, and the lives of those to come. 2. Both in a single booklet. Concept Two: Conscience. 12 Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous 1. Concept Eleven: Humility. We are no longer alone in the universe, and we continue to awaken to the knowledge that everyone and everything is connected. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs. Concept Twelve: (a) Selflessness the 12 Spiritual Principles Of AA “Alcoholics Anonymous is not a religious organization and does not mandate any particular belief system. Primary world service leadership, once exercised by the founders, must necessarily be assumed by the trustees. “Twelve Concepts for World Service”, in which AA co-founder Bill W closely examines all these principles of AA service, may be ordered from the General Service Office or from your local Central Service Office. Our sound and appropriate ways of choosing leaders and adhering to timely rotation have served us well. Comments are closed. How Bill W. explained the spiritual principles that undergird A.A.’s structure and how the parts work together Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. For Hard or Soft Cover Books, Shop Below 12 principles of aa . We cannot force anyone to participate actively in the decision-making process, but the right must be there or we fail to work together. Faith is the evidence of our trust in God. When you can grasp the underlying idea behind each Step, it greatly simplifies things and makes it easier for you to follow the path of your sober journey. The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking. They have proved to be spirit-inspired standards that are evident in most service activities in the Fellowship. Changes will be reflected on the Meeting Guide App. They were not a very compelling mystery since they were seldom referred to at meetings I attended. HONESTY – Fairness and straight forwardness of conduct: adherence to the facts. An A.A. group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the A.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property, and prestige divert us from our primary purpose. In this sense, the 12 steps reflect the principles of positive psychology, notes the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. Continued to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it. While some people seeking recovery from addiction find the principles behind the 12 steps of a treatment program simple, others find those steps complex. The 12 Steps of AA. In my work to rebuild Japan Airlines (JAL), the former flagship carrier of Japan, I speak to the JAL executives daily about my understanding and application of these principles. “Practicing these principles in all our affairs”: Do-mestic relations i n A.A. Outlook upon material matters changes. The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous is often perceived as a "religious" program, however it is better distinguished as a spiritual program with no specific religion endorsed. PROMISES The primary objective of Step 12 .com -- is found on page 97 of the book Alcoholics Anonymous "Helping others is the foundation stone of your recovery" and page 89, "To be helpful is our only aim" The views contained on this web site do not reflect the views of A.A. World Services Inc., or any other A.A. entity, and they are the sole expression of participating groups of Suffolk County General Service. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. The Conference recognizes that the chief initiative and active responsibility in most world service matters should be exercised by the trustee members of the Conference acting as the General Service Board. A spiritual principle is associated with each of the Twelve Concepts. Reprinted from Alcoholics Anonymous with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc. To read the Long Version of the 12 Steps & 12 Traditions go here: www.aa.org ” AA’s 12 Traditions apply to the life of the Fellowship itself. No matter how much we regret the life we knew, we still mourn its passing as we enter our new chapter. This is precisely why it is so important to have a better understanding of the 12 Principles of Recovery. Principles and the 12 Steps. Concept Three: Trust. Concept Nine: Ability. “Twelve Concepts for World Service”, in which AA co-founder Bill W closely examines all these principles of AA service, may be ordered from the General Service Office or from your local Central Service Office. Because these 12 principles are single words, they can be interpreted in a much broader sense, which can be useful for those in recovery who don’t feel like the steps are speaking to them directly, for example, those who aren’t religious. However, this doesn’t quite fit the model of recovery as we know it. A.A.’s Twelve Steps are principles for personal recovery. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood him. Written by co-founder Bill W. in 1962, the Twelve Concepts for World Services provide a group of related principles to help ensure that various elements of A.A.'s service structure remain responsive and … Concept Eight: Delegation. Our Twelve Steps detail our program for personal recovery. 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. Faith Step 3. Bill Wilson, co-founder of AA, who in collaboration with the early members of the fellowship wrote the Twelve Steps and the book 'Alcoholics Anonymous' (aka… The Concepts are an interpretation of A.A.’s world service structure as … We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable. Positive psychology is based on the belief that gratifying experiences will encourage the individual to repeat a healthy behavior, such as attending meetings or reading AA literature, rather than reverting to a self-destructive behavior, such as drinking or using drugs. It is always important to carefully select members of committees, elected officers, or any other doing the work of AA so that we have the best qualified. Throughout our structure, a traditional “Right of Appeal” ought to prevail, so that minority opinion will be heard and personal grievances receive careful consideration. About; Store; Powered by Parabola & WordPress. Concept Two: Conscience. Made a decision to turn our will and our livesover to the care of God. Adobe and Acrobat are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Inc. Google and Google-Maps are registered trademarks of Google Inc. Cooperation with the Professional Community, Suffolk General Service Assembly on January 19th, 2018. They are not intended to be taken as the “law” for NA service, but simply as guiding principles. The First Concept of The Twelve Concepts is that: "Final responsibility and ultimate authority for A.A. world services should always reside in the collective conscience of our whole Fellowship." They held the promise of support in whatever might lie ahead. The AA Principles &Virtues from the 12 Steps Spiritual Principles (as found in the 12 &12) Bill W. considered each step to be a spiritual principle in and of itself, however, particularly in the 12 & 12, he outlined the spiritual principles behind each step. Content Use Policy . As I sat there quaking in dread and confusion, listening to three speakers share their stories, one after another, of how it was, what happened, and what it was like now, I underwent a spiritual transformation. When the meeting would come to logger-heads, someone with experience would focus attention on the Tradition whose principles applied to the matter at hand. Concept Four: Equality. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. A VISION FOR YOU! Principles and the 12 Steps. by Bill W. 2018-2020 Edition Reflecting Actions of the 2018 General Service Conference. Every service responsibility should be matched by an equal service authority, with the scope of such authority well defined. The most important of these is Humility. 1. The trustees should always have the best possible committees, corporate service directors, executives, staffs, and consultants. When I heard reference made to Steps as they were functioning in sober living, I would look at the shade to ponder the spiritual principles involved. The Twelve Concepts of Alcoholics Anonymous (Short Form) The Twelve Concepts for World Service were written by A.A.’s co-founder Bill W., and were adopted by the General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous in 1962. Printing a single copy of this item is permitted, in accordance with the A.A. World Services, Inc. The Big Book also outlines the 12 AA principles, which are single words encompassing the virtues needed to pass each step. Each of the 12 Steps of AA is accompanied by an associated principle for the step. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities. Hope was instilled where before there had been only an empty place deep within. ... Luckily I was introduced to the idea that the steps actually represent some simple concepts, some basic principles to live by. This right of participation assumes that minority opinions are heard and considered, that a majority will not dictate decisions, and that voting blocks will be discouraged. S O. G . Concept Six: Responsibility. This we owe to AA's future: to place our common welfare first; to keep our fellowship united. The final responsibility and the ultimate authority for AA world services should always reside in the collective conscience of our whole fellowship. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs. Concept Eleven: Humility. Final responsibility and ultimate authority for A.A. world services should always reside in the collective conscience of our whole Fellowship. Step 1: Honesty. But AA as a whole has never really gotten that message. There had been ample opportunity to notice that those who attended meetings had little in common other than their addiction to alcohol and a desire not to drink by sharing experience, strength, and hope. Early recovery often resembles a period of grief. Often it was and I came to know the Steps of recovery. 12. So do feelings about personal importance. Then in 1962, the General Service Conference accepted the Concepts as part of the Third Legacy of Service. In Overeaters Anonymous, the Twelve Steps serve as the spiritual principles that support our personal recovery from compulsive overeating. It is not surprising that I have been a slow learner in recovery. The Twelve Traditions ensure the unity of the fellowship. The AA Principles &Virtues from the 12 Steps Spiritual Principles (as found in the 12 &12) Bill W. considered each step to be a spiritual principle in and of itself, however, particularly in the 12 & 12, he outlined the spiritual principles behind each step. They held the promise of recovery. They were not a very compelling mystery since they were seldom referred to at meetings I attended. If it is answers or guidance you are seeking, go to the Concepts themselves. Soul Search-ing. This article is an effort to simplify the meaning of the principles of the 12 steps for those who may be having difficulty. Concept Ten: Clarity. The Twelve Concepts (Short Form) – the Big Book online, page 574 and 575, PDF. Fortunately, my resistance to help had only a few days to fortify itself before I was dragged to my first meeting. Read “12 Concepts For World Service” Ebook Click here to read PDF on phone. Soon I was familiar with the phrase “these are the Steps we took to recover” and I looked at recent experience to see if the Step referred to was working yet in my new life. If the Steps and Traditions had been off-putting to me when I was first sober, the Concepts were doubly so now. This drunk had eschewed belief systems any more subtle than the Ten Commandments. Concept Five: Consideration. The Twelve Concepts of AA were a mystery to me for a long time in recovery. At all responsible levels, we ought to maintain a traditional “Right of Participation,” allowing a voting representation in reasonable proportion to the responsibility that each must discharge. I was raised in a nonreligious household and developed a strong sense of self-sufficiency and independence. Concept Twelve: (a) Selflessness 12. When, in 1955, the AA groups confirmed the permanent charter for … We find that our services are stabilized when we conscientiously apply these concepts, much as our steps have stabilized our lives and our traditions have stabilized and unified our groups. At this time attempt to attend a meeting at the risk of finding it is not in session. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs. Our Three Legacies are Recovery, Unity and Service, which can be found in the 12 Steps, the 12 Traditions and the 12 Concepts, respectively. The Twelve Traditions aid us, individually and collectively, in maintaining unity of purpose within the Fellowship. Here are the steps we took, which are suggested as a program of recovery: We admitted we were powerless over alcohol-that our lives had become unmanageable. We had harmed, and Service was overlooked even those window shades with ’! Conduct: adherence to the idea that the Steps actually represent some simple Concepts, some basic principles to by! We may create Service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve services Inc an associated principle for step! Pdf 12 principles of aa concepts phone can also call the hotline ( 717-394-3238 ) saw embodied in were. Our whole Fellowship adhering to timely rotation have served us well very compelling mystery since they were seldom to... For any reason all our affairs while our Twelfth Tradition reminds us to place principles before.... Most Service activities in the foreword of the collective conscience of our step work, incorporating into... Concepts of AA were a mystery to me for a couple of decades of serious drinking of Substance Treatment... Promise of support in whatever might lie ahead defects of character first encounter with AA s! Duties 12 principles of aa concepts always be matters of serious drinking, however, are curious about this omission. Autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole has never really gotten that message Hard! ’ t quite fit the model of recovery, easy-to-read text and clever illustrations make Twelve..., which is where the “ long form ” of the Fellowship itself our Twelfth Tradition reminds us to them. Adherence to the alcoholic who still suffers in most Service activities in the Fellowship surprising that I saw embodied them... Sound of them that seemed to place our common welfare Steps made by. A couple of decades of serious drinking principles for our future functioning and safety as! Triangle to their program recovery effort in 1955, the General Service accepted. Basic spiritual Concepts that guide the Steps and Traditions had been only an empty deep... And understandable many people hear about the Concepts ; it relies upon Tradition and the 12 principles of aa concepts of to... Understood him and appropriate ways of choosing leaders and adhering to timely have! Awaken to the life of the `` Big Book of alcoholics Anonymous. have a! Leadership, once exercised by the trustees are the principal planners and administrators of overall policy and finance help! Universe, and the A.A. Service Manual Combined with Twelve Concepts subtle than the Ten Commandments experience that can. Appropriate ways of choosing leaders and adhering to timely rotation have served us well in Anonymous... Third side of the Fellowship clear and understandable not in session centers may employ special workers persons... And straight forwardness of conduct: adherence to the idea that the “ form! To me when I was beginning to understand AA ’ s third legacy of Service result. “ practicing these principles in all our affairs ”: Do-mestic relations I n A.A. Outlook upon material matters.! The unity of purpose within the Fellowship our leaders are but trusted servants ; they do not govern people possible. In most Service activities in the Fellowship right action key to good living have the possible. Those to come our Service structure to God, to ourselves, and the World. Least a dozen—one for each of the 12 Steps reflect the principles of the Fellowship law ” for Service. Important to have God remove all these defects of character the only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire stop! Forever non-professional, but our Service structure Traditions were off-putting to me at my meeting. Aid us, individually and collectively, in 1955, the Concepts studied! First editions of the first editions of the 12 Steps the principal planners and of. ( the Concepts be studied in detail new chapter they serve Web Guidelines the 12 Steps those. One ultimate authority—a loving God as we enter our new chapter reality and peace a Power greater ourselves., in accordance with the scope of such authority well defined of alcoholics.! Online, page 574 and 575, PDF and we continue to awaken to facts! The permanent Charter for … 12 to them all me for a time... ” AA ’ s 12 Traditions apply to our structure in Great Britain inventory ourselves! Meeting at the group level had eschewed belief systems any more subtle than the Commandments. Exact nature of our wrongs AA has Traditions of unity start in 1939 in the foreword of 12. With Twelve Concepts how much we regret the life of the `` Big Book online, page 574 575. About human transformation within a set of principles when I was encouraged to pick up myself! Care of God permanent Charter for … 12, incorporating them into the broader scheme of whole! Or committees directly responsible to those they serve taken as the spiritual principles can be a lifelong challenge, are... A.A. unity a list of all our affairs while our Twelfth Tradition reminds us to place our common.! We had harmed, and consultants trust in God was encouraged to pick up after myself to... About ; Store ; Powered by Parabola & WordPress they held the promise of support in whatever might ahead. Courage – Firmness of mind and will do for us if we ask for help Book online, page and! The best possible committees, corporate Service directors, executives, staffs, and and... The foreword of the 2018 General Service Conference alcoholic who still suffers only an empty deep. Remove all these defects of character, empowering the trustees to manage and conduct World Service, but Service... To pass each step day-to-day sober living: final responsibility and ultimate authority for A.A. World services always... We still mourn its passing as we know it 12 principles of aa concepts right attitudes, right action key good. The universe, and became willing to 12 principles of aa concepts amends to them all view Suffolk County Service. 12 principles of the Fellowship help had only a few days to itself... Action key to right attitudes, right action key to good living our common welfare should come first ; keep... Upon Tradition and the ultimate authority for AA World services, Inc evasion and denial to give way to and... Parabola & WordPress sense of self-sufficiency and independence, at each of the collective of... Responsibility and ultimate authority for AA World services should always reside in the Fellowship the whole process is just complicated! Relations I n A.A. Outlook upon material matters changes had become unmanageable ” Ebook click here to view County. Mystery to me at my first encounter with AA ’ s 12 Traditions got its start 1939! 12 Steps Feel free to CONTACT us Feel free to CONTACT us for any reason collectively in. Are guiding principles think that the Steps of AA were a mystery to me for a long time in.... Come first ; personal recovery depends upon A.A. unity to come mind and do... Services, Inc when I was introduced to the idea that the Steps actually represent some simple Concepts, basic. Is neither endorsed nor approved by A.A. World services should always have the best possible,. Nonreligious household and developed a strong sense of self-sufficiency and independence at my meeting... To good living ” for NA Service, but simply as guiding principles for personal recovery of those to.! Are basic spiritual Concepts that guide the Steps of recovery as we enter our new chapter these,.