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Sixth tradition of AA

lastvice
lastvice
I need some advice before Saturday. A woman from the NY times is doing an article on dual diagnosis of eating disorders and substance abuse. She is going to interview me this weekend because I am in recovery from both bulimia and alcoholism. The article will be mainly focused on eating disorders from what I can tell but I'm sure she is going to ask me how AA has impacted my life. I think the appropriate way to handle this is to tell her about AA's sixth tradition up front and then just refer to "a twelve step program" and not mention AA. Are there any other suggestions? Thanks.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Well, since I see you've been in the program for a while you should know the sixth step by heart I would imagine. I think if you are going to go into any detail, you could tie the sixth with the defects of character identified in the fourth step and that the sixth is in preparation for the seventh..... just a thought.
terriDasilva
terriDasilva
what...
lastvice
lastvice
I'm sorry if I wasn't clear. Our sixth tradition states that we should not bring the AA name into press, radio, films, etc. So I am assuming that this means that if a reporter for a newspaper is going to ask me about my treatments for alcoholism that I should not mention AA but refer to a general 12 step program.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Sorry, I thought you said "step". My mistake.....

I see what you mean. I don't know that it would be wrong to mention the program. Or even to go into it some.....
deleted_user
deleted_user
Lastvice,

I think it is great that you are following the traditions. A 12 step program will suffice. Good luck on the interview! Hugs, Kelly :)
terriDasilva
terriDasilva
I am sorry, that what was directed at dipity dan... His reply did not make sense to me....
gjm
gjm
from my experience, I have done a few speeches to groups and what i have done and should be done in keeping with the 6 tradition is just talk about the 12 step program that your involved in and not mention AA. you will find most will already realize that its AA and you cover yourself.

as far as what dan said, i find that a little confusing you are talking about the the traditions not the steps correct??

just another thought you might want to say through your 12 step program it has helped you with your other issues.

i wish you well and let me know how it turned out.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm sorry, forget my first post here. I thought she was talking about the sixth step. I was wrong, she was talking about the sixth tradition.

I think the issue goes more to the eleventh tradition than the sixth. This is the press, right? We are a program of attraction not promotion.....
lastvice
lastvice
Ok, I'll go read that one. Thanks.
deleted_user
deleted_user
as a former PIC rep.. we are instructed to NEVER use our own names...
we only introduce ourselves as members of AA..

Breaking our anonymity in the media is a real BAD idea for anyone in AA...
think of a few celebs that have done so... and been in/out of AA for years....
they really don;t give a crap about AA, ,they are self centred and have the possibilty of being the only example of AA to someone out there...
An actor from "cheers" comes to mind!

If you are being interveiewed personally there is notjing wrong with sharing what the program did for you,, but remember, YOU need AA worse than AA needs you,, so please look in to our Prinary Purpose and ask God for help in carry His message throught the interview.

you wil lbe fine then.

God bless
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