E156: AA- Self-Supporting by Our Own Contributions

In this compelling episode, Matt and Steve delve deep into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of Alcoholics Anonymous—its financial landscape. Together, they unravel the intricate threads of financial operations within AA, shedding light on the challenges, traditions, and potential transformations faced by the organization.

The conversation kicks off by addressing the significant deficit plaguing the General Service Organization (GSO) of AA. With a staggering $1 million deficit, the hosts dissect the implications of this shortfall, emphasizing the reliance on literature sales as a primary source of revenue rather than donations.

Venturing into the heart of the matter, they dissect the AA Seventh Tradition, exploring the intersection of spirituality and financial support within the program. They probe the importance of donations, the rewards they offer, and the need for potential shifts in the revenue-generating structure.

Matt and Steve pivot to examine the hesitance towards change within AA's established business model, a structure rooted in the traditions of the past. Reflecting on the difficulty of implementing changes in a slow-moving, consensus-driven organization, they highlight the challenges of adapting a business model crafted nearly a century ago to fit the contemporary landscape.

The discussion widens to consider digital advancements and the potential role they could play in AA's financial sustainability. Drawing parallels to modern media and subscription-based models, they underscore the significance of a digital presence and revenue stream, juxtaposing it against AA's current digital outreach strategies.

The hosts contemplate the complexities of AA's strict policies on external contributions, referencing the poignant story of Jim Irsay's donation offer of the original AA manuscript and its rejection due to financial limitations and tradition. They further examine the limitations on individual contributions capped at $5,000 and the reliance on group contributions.

Matt and Steve dissect the financial implications for attendees, highlighting how the collective impact of small donations can accumulate, mirroring the price of attending meetings. They discuss the varied financial capacities of different meetings, illustrating how some may be more financially stable than others.

Tune in to this thought-provoking discussion shedding light on the intricate financial intricacies within Alcoholics Anonymous, offering insights into the delicate balance between tradition and adaptability in the realm of recovery.

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