“Every group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.”
Tradition Seven
Why Donate?
There are no dues for membership in Al-Anon. The only requirement for any contributor to Al-Anon is to be a member, and the only requirement for membership is to be affected by the disease of alcoholism in a friend or relative. When the basket is passed at meetings, we are reminded that all contributions are voluntary. This keeps Al‑Anon free of outside influences that might divert us from our primary purpose of supporting families and friends of alcoholics.
In keeping with Al-Anon’s Tradition Seven, Al-Anon is self-supporting, accepting contributions only from Al-Anon members and declining outside contributions.
What the Funds Support
The Seventh Tradition is essential at every level of Al‑Anon service. It is both a privilege and a responsibility for groups and members to ensure that not only their group, but all service levels remain self supporting. This keeps Al‑Anon free of outside influences that might divert us from our primary purpose of supporting families and friends of alcoholics.
The WSO and NCWSA each incur a cost of $330.00 per meeting per year to provide support, information, and resources such as websites and apps. To help meet their budget, they rely on donations..
Donations to District 5 fund our PO Box, website, fund our information line, literature for new meetings, workshops and events, insurance, Alateen and Public Outreach. Group and individual donations are welcome.
Group Contribution Information
The following information is intended to assist a group’s Treasurer when disbursing funds that go beyond the group’s current expenses and an ample reserve. Each group is autonomous and can allocate its funds as guided by the group conscience.
Suggested District 5 Guideline for group contributions after expenses and maintaining a prudent reserve is 60% District – 30% Area – 10% WSO
For more information about group contributions and finances, please see pp. 102-110 and 162-163 in our Service Manual: Al-Anon Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27) – Al-Anon Family Groups