Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is widely known for the Twelve Steps, but AA also has a second set of guiding principles: the AA Twelve Traditions. The traditions are designed to help AA groups function well over time, especially as membership expands and group needs evolve.
In that sense, the traditions are less about any one person’s recovery plan and more about how the fellowship stays stable, accessible, and welcoming.
This article focuses on AA Tradition 1 (also written as the AA first tradition, AA tradition 1, or Tradition One AA). It explains the wording, the core idea of unity, and what “common welfare” can look like in meetings and in day-to-day life.
If you’re looking for a basics-first overview, see our AA definition and meaning guide to understand how meetings and membership typically work.
Key Takeaways
- Tradition One emphasizes that AA groups protect unity by putting the group’s common welfare first.
- Common welfare often looks like meeting safety, respectful discussion, and decisions that keep the group stable and welcoming.
- Unity does not require total agreement; it usually means staying connected, handling conflict respectfully, and sharing responsibility through service.
- Other traditions reinforce Tradition One by supporting group conscience, primary purpose, neutrality on outside issues, and “principles before personalities.”
- Everyday use of Tradition One can include balancing personal needs with the health of relationships, teams, and recovery routines.
- Misunderstandings are common: unity is not silence, and “common welfare” does not mean ignoring boundaries or safety concerns.
- Structured living can help people practice cooperation, accountability, and shared responsibility in ways that align with the spirit of AA Tradition One.
- FAQs address common questions about AA Tradition 1, the AA twelve traditions, meeting expectations, and how AA typically works.
The 12 Traditions of AA in context
The 12 traditions of AA are principles meant to protect AA groups from problems that can pull people away from their purpose. They cover topics like leadership, money, public relations, and anonymity, because those are recurring pressure points for any community.
For a broader overview, see our guide to the 12 traditions of AA and how they support healthy group function over time.
For the full short-form list, see the full short-form list of the AA Twelve Traditions.
AA history summaries commonly note that the traditions developed as AA expanded, and that the principles were later formalized in AA literature.
12 Steps vs. 12 traditions
The Twelve Steps focus on individual change and personal recovery. The AA twelve traditions focus on how groups operate so that many individuals can recover together, without the meeting being pulled off course by conflict, control, or side agendas. That difference matters because a meeting can be supportive or disruptive regardless of how motivated any one person may be.
If you want the personal-recovery side of the framework, our 12 Steps of AA guide explains the full list and how people commonly work them.
Why Tradition One is often treated as foundational
AA 1st tradition is about unity. The basic idea is straightforward: if a group becomes divided, the meeting becomes less safe and less useful, especially for newcomers. Many explanations of Tradition One emphasize that unity supports connection, and connection supports recovery.
AA Tradition 1: short form and long form
AA tradition one has a short form and a long form. Both versions point to the same theme: unity supports the fellowship, and the fellowship supports individual recovery.
Short form wording
“Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon AA unity.”
Long form wording
“Each member of Alcoholics Anonymous is but a small part of a great whole. AA must continue to live…”
The long form continues by emphasizing that the group’s common welfare comes first, with individual welfare close afterward.
A published reference for the long-form text of the AA traditions includes the complete wording of Tradition One.
Key ideas inside the wording
Common welfare refers to what helps the meeting and the group stay steady: safety, respect, and a shared focus on recovery. It is more like a reminder that group health is a practical necessity, not just a nice idea.
Personal recovery depends upon AA unity does not claim that everyone must recover in the same way. Instead, it points to a common reality in many peer-support settings: people often do better when they have consistent support, accountability, and a place to return to.
Unity does not mean agreement on every detail. In practice, unity usually means staying connected even when members hold different views, backgrounds, or personalities.
What “common welfare” can mean in meetings
Tradition One can sound abstract until it is applied to everyday situations: business meetings, group decisions, and moments of tension. Below are common situations where “common welfare” becomes relevant.
Group conscience and decision-making
Many AA groups make decisions through discussion and a group conscience process. A practical interpretation of AA tradition 1 is that all voices deserve respect, but once a decision is made, members try to work together so the group does not get stuck in ongoing conflict.
This can apply to meeting format, service rotation, how a group responds to disruptions, and how it communicates with the broader AA community.
A safe and welcoming space for newcomers
In a typical AA meeting, newcomers may arrive with anxiety, shame, or confusion. A group that is tense or argumentative can unintentionally send the message that support is conditional. Tradition One points in the opposite direction: protect an environment where people can show up, listen, and speak without being attacked, shamed, or “ranked.”
For practical next steps, our AA meetings near me guide explains common ways people find local and online meeting options.
Service and shared responsibility
A practical way unity is supported is through service: greeting, setting up chairs, making coffee, reading opening statements, or holding rotating roles like secretary or treasurer. Service is not only “work”; it is a structured way groups distribute responsibility so that no one person becomes the center of power, attention, or resentment over time.
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How AA Tradition 1 supports unity
AA first tradition is often summarized as “we before me.” That phrase is not the official wording, but it captures the main point: individual recovery and group health are linked.
Unity is not uniformity
Unity does not require identical opinions, identical spiritual beliefs, or identical experiences. A group can be diverse and still united if members hold to a shared purpose and basic respect for one another.
Disagreement without division
Groups are made up of people, and people disagree. Tradition One does not ask members to avoid disagreement. It asks members to handle disagreement in a way that does not damage the meeting.
For example, if a group is deciding whether to change a meeting format, members can listen without interrupting, speak to the issue rather than to personalities, and accept the outcome without punishing others socially. These small behaviors reduce the chance that conflict turns into factions, which is one of the fastest ways a meeting can lose stability.
Staying focused on the purpose of the group
When a meeting becomes dominated by side issues, it can lose the thread of why people came in the first place. Tradition One points the group back toward common welfare: a stable setting where alcohol-related experience, strength, and hope can be shared in a way that supports sobriety.
How Tradition One connects to other AA traditions
The AA traditions are designed to work together, so Tradition One often shows up alongside other principles. This is not a full review of all AA traditions, but it highlights connections that tend to matter in group life.
Tradition Two and group conscience
Tradition Two describes decision-making through a group conscience and emphasizes that leaders are “trusted servants” rather than rulers. That structure can protect unity because it limits personal authority and reduces personality-based control.
Tradition Five and the primary purpose
Tradition Five is commonly stated as a reminder that each group has one primary purpose: to carry the message to the alcoholic who still suffers. When a group uses that purpose as a reference point, disagreements can become easier to sort out, because the focus shifts from preference to effectiveness.
Tradition Ten and avoiding outside controversy
Tradition Ten states that AA has no opinion on outside issues, in part so the AA name is not pulled into public controversy. The link to Tradition One is practical: controversy can divide a group quickly, while neutrality can preserve unity.
The 12th tradition of AA and principles before personalities
The 12th tradition of AA describes anonymity as the spiritual foundation of all the traditions and highlights “principles before personalities.” In practice, this can support unity by reducing rivalry, comparison, and status dynamics.
Applying AA tradition one in everyday life
Although the traditions were written for groups, many people use them as a personal framework, especially when relationships feel strained. Tradition One can be a reminder to consider the “whole system,” not only one person’s immediate wants.
In relationships and family life
In a family, “common welfare” might mean decisions that reduce chaos and create safety. That could look like clear boundaries, calmer communication, or routines that support stability. It does not mean ignoring personal needs; it means balancing needs in a way that protects the relationship itself, including the long-term wellbeing of everyone involved.
At work or in community settings
At work, aa tradition 1 can translate into noticing when personal recognition, competition, or resentment is becoming the main driver. In a healthy team, individual success can still matter, but the shared goal also matters. When a group loses trust, productivity often drops, and people disengage, which can become a cycle that is hard to reverse.
A simple Tradition One inventory
Some AA resources offer checklists that help members reflect on unity and personal behavior in groups. Here are a few neutral prompts inspired by that approach:
- Ask whether your actions are integrating or divisive.
- Consider whether you repeat gossip or share others’ private details.
- Notice whether you argue to solve problems, or argue to “win.”
- Reflect on whether you compare groups in a competitive way.
- Think about whether you complain without participating in group decisions.
- Decide whether you are willing to do small acts of service that keep the group running.
A personal inventory is not about shame. It is a way to notice patterns early, when they are easier to change.
Common misunderstandings about AA Tradition 1
Tradition One is short, but it can be misread. A few clarifications often help.
“Common welfare first” does not erase boundaries
Putting common welfare first does not mean accepting harmful behavior, staying silent about safety concerns, or tolerating harassment. It means handling problems in a way that protects the meeting and the people in it, rather than escalating conflict.
Unity does not mean avoiding hard conversations
Sometimes unity is strengthened by naming an issue directly. The difference is how it is done: calmly, with respect, and with a focus on what will help the group move forward in a practical way.
Tradition One is guidance, not enforcement
AA is not run like a workplace or a court. Many groups do not have rigid rules, and members cannot be “managed” in the usual sense. Tradition One works best when members see it as a shared value rather than a weapon in an argument.
How Eudaimonia Recovery Homes Supports AA Tradition One
Eudaimonia Recovery Homes can support people who want to live the spirit of “AA 1st Tradition: Unity and Common Welfare” by offering a stable, recovery-focused place to live while they build a routine. In a sober living setting, residents share space, chores, and expectations, which can make the idea of “common welfare” practical rather than abstract. House guidelines and regular check-ins can encourage respect, consistency, and accountability, which can reduce conflict and help protect a calm home environment.
Many people find that learning to communicate clearly, resolve disagreements, and follow shared rules helps them practice unity with others in recovery. Eudaimonia can also help residents stay connected to peer support by encouraging participation in recovery meetings that fit their needs, including AA for those who choose it. A structured setting can make it easier to keep a steady schedule, plan transportation, and follow through on recovery commitments.
Learn more about how structured sober living can support routine, accountability, and consistent participation in recovery support.
For individuals who are rebuilding relationships, living in a supportive community may provide daily practice in balancing personal needs with the wellbeing of the group. While no housing program can guarantee outcomes, stable support and a consistent environment can reduce barriers that often disrupt early recovery.
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Frequently Asked Questions About AA Tradition One
What is the AA 1st Tradition (Tradition One)?
The AA 1st tradition (also written as AA Tradition 1 or AA first tradition) is: “Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon A.A. unity.” In AA, this tradition is commonly used to emphasize unity and the group’s shared purpose.
What does “our common welfare should come first” mean in AA?
In practice, “common welfare” points to protecting the meeting environment so it stays focused on recovery and remains welcoming to people who need help. It also supports making group decisions in ways that keep the fellowship functioning and stable over time.
Why does the AA first tradition say personal recovery depends upon unity?
AA literature links survival and effectiveness to members working together, rather than breaking into conflict or division. The idea is that when meetings remain steady and focused, individuals are more likely to find support and continue participating.
Is Tradition One a rule that individual members must follow?
The Twelve Traditions are generally presented as guiding principles for how AA groups relate to each other and to the public. Many groups adopt them as a shared foundation, but they are not typically framed as enforceable “rules” for individuals.
What is the difference between the 12 Steps and the 12 Traditions of AA?
A common way AA literature summarizes it is: the Twelve Steps are principles for personal recovery, while the Twelve Traditions help protect unity and how the fellowship functions as a whole.
Why were the AA traditions written in the first place?
As AA grew, groups needed shared guidance on how to handle common challenges and remain united. One summary states that these principles were written down in 1946 and later accepted and endorsed by the membership at an international convention in 1950.
What are the 12 traditions of AA (short form)?
The AA twelve traditions are a set of guiding principles for group life and public relationships. Here is the short-form list commonly published by AA organizations:
- Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon AA unity.
- For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority – a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
- The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking.
- Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or AA as a whole.
- Each group has but one primary purpose—to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.
- An AA group ought never endorse, finance or lend the AA name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.
- Every AA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
- Alcoholics Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers.
- AA, as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
- Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the AA name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
- 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.
- Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.
What is a “group conscience” in AA?
In AA materials, “group conscience” is described as a careful, respectful decision-making process where members have a voice and the goal is often “substantial unanimity,” not simply winning by a narrow majority. This connects to how groups try to make decisions that serve the whole group’s welfare.
What is a home group in AA, and why do people choose one?
Many AA members choose one group as their “home group,” where they take on service responsibilities and participate in group decisions. Some AA resources describe the home group as a strong bond between the member and the fellowship, and as a place that can provide continuing support and connection.
If I attend an AA meeting, does that commit me to anything?
Some AA organizations state that attending a meeting does not commit a person to join, return, or share personal details. They also note that AA typically does not keep membership files or attendance records.
How much does AA membership cost?
AA sources commonly state there are no dues or fees for membership. Many groups may pass a voluntary collection to help cover basic meeting expenses, with members free to contribute as much or as little as they wish.
Is AA a religious organization, and do I have to believe in God?
AA resources often describe AA as not being affiliated with any religion. They also note that members define spiritual ideas in different ways, and that AA can include people with a wide range of beliefs, including non-belief.
Can I just show up to an AA meeting (and is it okay to listen only)?
Some public-facing AA information states that attending does not require signing up or making a commitment, and that people do not have to reveal anything about themselves. Many newcomers choose to listen at first to understand the format and decide what feels comfortable.
What does the 12th tradition of AA mean (“principles before personalities”)?
The 12th tradition of AA is commonly presented as a reminder that anonymity supports humility and helps keep the focus on shared principles rather than individual status or influence. This idea also supports unity, which connects back to AA Tradition One.
