TRADITION TWELVE
June 21, from “Strengthening My Recovery” daily reader
“We protect personal anonymity at all costs to keep our meetings safe. By keeping ACA safe, we strengthen our group unity, and we attract new members who are an important life source for the fellowship.” BRB p. 552
“Perhaps no Tradition means as much to the ACA program as Tradition Twelve. This is where we protect each other by not mentioning who we see or what we hear at meetings. This anonymity is the spiritual foundation that strengthens our program.
We share only our first names for very good reasons:
- It helps newcomers feel more comfortable about sharing intimate details of their lives. Privacy is respected
- Anonymity is a great equalizer. As garden-variety ACAs, our job title, education, and where we live mean nothing. It doesn’t matter. We are all in meetings for the same reason – to recover from the effects of our family dysfunction.
- Those who refer others to ACA can feel comfortable knowing anyone who attends will not be required to give personal information. In fact, they don’t have to say anything if they so choose.
By protecting anonymity, we are reminded that we are part of a spiritual program. Anonymity is also related to humility, which is one of our spiritual principles. Humility reminds us we are all equals. The humility we have learned helps keep the doors open.
On this day I will honor Tradition Twelve by honoring the anonymity and confidences of those I see at meetings. This allows the doors of ACA to stay open for all who may follow.”
My Experience:
This was a relief when I first walked into the rooms of recovery. I didn’t want anyone to know that I was attending and needed to feel safe. I quickly realized I was safe and could share in this space without fear of someone outside the meeting knowing. I in turn am able to appreciate another’s story and not feel the need to share about it or pass judgement about it. We all have a journey and it is not to be judged or shared. This gives each of us the freedom to share our own story to those outside the rooms of recovery if we so choose. It is our story and we get to tell it or not.
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