1. Understanding Anonymity In AA ~ The Present Scenario
Valley. K.,
Jan 2019

3. Expansion of Understanding “Anonymity” within AA

4. Anonymity in Open Meetings / PI & Functions ~ Prevailing Confusion (Posthumous Permissions to use photos and using Class-As on stage, with AA Backdrop and in media-for FACE and VOICE)

5. Informing Friends of AA ~ Press (informing Media in advance in function invite’ itself to cover in photos, audience from back and PI guests only on stage. Still…beyond control)

6. Telephone and Mobile Numbers [Better to use dedicated helpline numbers and NO individual names]

7. Social Media…Interlinked Identity: Closed Meetings on line, Whatsapp groups of AAs, Facebook Pages of AA Groups and Facebook friendship ~ copy marking..Mixed up ideas.. Better to refer to AA pamphlets and AA US guidelines

8. Guidelines Are Available

9. Basis-1: Tradition ~ 11 11th Tradition…
Our Public relations Policy is based on Attraction, rather than Promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of Press, radio and films.

10. Basis: Tradition ~ 12 12th Tradition…
Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities

11. Interpretation ~ Tradition 11
Ours is not a Secret Society. We carry the message anywhere we can.
But, we must ever be aware that self appointed messiahs, speaking for AA through public media, can do us great damage

12. Interpretation ~ Tradition 12
Let us always remember that anonymity (not taking credit for our own or others’ recovery) is humility at work
Anonymity is sacrificing personal ambition for the common good

13. Where are we today..? Freebies of Copyrighted literature, freedom taken in expressing opinions in social media platforms can let us loose our TRADITIONal values..!

14. Stretching the limits… Public display of love and affection for AA can do more harm for AA as a whole

15. Digital Era…Read the guidelines and check with PI Chair at IG/DC/AC and National level.. when in doubt..!

16. Bill. W on Modern Communication: Nothing matters more to AA’s future welfare than the manner in which we use the colossus of modern communication. Used unselfishly and well, it can produce results surpassing our present imagination – Bill.W (Grapevine Nov 1960)

17. ..Technology: If used unselfishly and well..!
My Anonymity is my business
Breaking anonymity of another AA member is AA’s business
Tradition-4 (Long Form):
..no group, regional committee or individual should ever take any action that might greatly affect AA as a whole.
(without conferring with the trustees of the General Service Board. On such issues, our common welfare is paramount)
“Traditions Checklist” at Individual, Group level and so on for Traditions 10, 11 & 12 on issues of Anonymity and others affecting AA as a whole…can be useful.

18. Action on Anonymity Break
GSO writes remonstrance (kind ones, of course) to every breaker – AAWS Service Manual Page : S-10
Upon learning about the incidence of an Anonymity break at the public level, by an AA, GSO requests the Delegate of that Area to remind the member about the anonymity Tradition. The GSO itself may write to the member directly – The Charter and Bye-Laws of GSO India Page: 35-36

19. Self Discipline Primary in any media, place or format

20. Bill.W’s last message..
..Of all blessings for AA, the most responsible is Concept of Anonymity..
..On Spiritual level, Anonymity demands greatest discipline..
On practical level, Anonymity protects the new comer, brings respect and support of outside world and secures from those who use AA for sick and selfish purposes
(October 10, 1970)

21. Bill.W’s last message..
AA must and will continue to change with the passing years.
The principle of Anonymity must remain our primary and enduring safeguard
As long as we accept our sobriety in our traditional spirit of anonymity, we will continue to receive the Grace of God.
(October 10, 1970)

22. “Anonymity Breakers” : Let Go.. Let God..!
SUGGESTION SET-1
“Anonymity Breakers” : Let Go.. Let God..!
AA GSM in India & US suggestion: A polite letter may be written to the “Anonymity Breaker” personally by the Area Delegate and AA GSO can also write, requesting: not to repeat the Tradition break, in the interest of AA as a whole.

23. SUGGESTION-2 : Translation of important Guidelines (in a wide range of languages, with updates) on Anonymity in Social Media on “HOW TO KEEP THE DISCRETE MASK ON” to protect the Anonymity of Self and Others

24. SUGGESTION-3 : Work Shop & Briefs on updates