E156: AA- Self-Supporting by Our Own ContributionsE156: AA- Self-Supporting by Our Own Contributions
Sober Friends
Matt and Steve discuss AA's $1 million deficit, reliance on literature sales, and the need for financial modernization.
31:47•12 Dec 2023
Money Matters: The Financial Challenges of Alcoholics Anonymous
Episode Overview
- Delve deep into the financial landscape of Alcoholics Anonymous and the $1 million deficit faced by GSO
- Unravel the reliance on literature sales as a primary revenue source and the need for adaptation in today's world
- Explore the intersection of spirituality and money within AA tradition and the resistance to change
- Discuss the challenges posed by the responsibility of treasurers and the balance between living in poverty and meeting financial obligations
- Offer valuable insights into the organization's financial operations and the necessity for changes in the revenue-generating structure
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Have you ever wondered how Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) keeps its doors open? In this episode of Sober Friends, Matt and Steve tackle a topic that often flies under the radar—the financial health of AA. They dive into the staggering $1 million deficit currently faced by the General Service Organization (GSO) and examine why literature sales, rather than donations, have become the main revenue stream.
The duo takes a closer look at the Seventh Tradition of AA, which emphasizes self-support through member contributions, and discusses how this principle intersects with the organization's financial struggles. Matt and Steve also explore the challenges of updating AA's business model, a structure deeply rooted in its nearly century-old traditions. They ponder the reluctance to change and consider how digital advancements could play a role in modernizing the financial approach.
From the responsibilities of treasurers to the delicate balance between spiritual values and monetary needs, this episode sheds light on the complex relationship between money and spirituality within AA. It's a fascinating discussion that underscores the importance of donations and the potential for transformation in AA's financial landscape.
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