AA’s Tradition 11 says:

“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.”

Why is Tradition 11 important?

Protects individual members

 

  • It safeguards members from public scrutiny, stigma, or professional harm if their recovery were made public.

  • If someone relapsed after publicly identifying as AA, it could discourage others from seeking help.


 

Keeps focus on principles, not personalities

 

  • AA is about a program of recovery, not individual figures.

  • Tradition 11 prevents any one person from becoming a “spokesperson” or the “face” of AA, which could create division or controversy.


 

Ensures trust and safety

  • Newcomers can feel secure that their struggles won’t be made public.

  • This fosters honesty, openness, and willingness to share within meetings.

Supports humility

 

  • Anonymity helps members practice humility rather than seeking recognition or fame for their sobriety.

  • It reminds members to place the good of the fellowship above personal ego.

 

 

Preserves AA’s credibility

  • By avoiding promotion or celebrity endorsements, AA avoids being seen as a commercial product or movement with an agenda.

  • Instead, its effectiveness is shown through the lived example of sober members—attraction rather than salesmanship.

In short:

Tradition 11 protects AA from becoming a publicity-driven organization, ensures members’ privacy, and keeps the fellowship centered on recovery rather than personalities or promotion.