September 14
Whose Name Is on It?
An organization does something we admire, and we would like our home group to support it. We know the people involved. We believe in the work. A hesitation from other members may sound like a judgment against something that matters to us. It is easy to argue harder before understanding what their hesitation is protecting.
Our personal endorsement and the use of A.A.'s name carry different responsibilities. The group includes people who have not made our judgment, and people seeking sobriety should not have to make it to feel at home. We remain free to give our own time and support. Leaving the Fellowship's name out of that choice need not diminish our conviction. It may simply acknowledge that the name belongs to more people than those presently persuaded. Affection for a cause can coexist with care for that shared trust.
Where am I asking a shared name to carry my personal conviction?
I am free to support it in my own name.
For the A.A. nerds: Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tradition Six.