THE THIRD TRADITION
WHAT IF WE DIDN'T HAVE IT
The following are excerpts are from the "Code of Procedure for the AA Group of Metropolitan Detroit: (1942).
1. Active membership in the AA Group of Metropolitan Detroit may be achieved by a prospective member in the following manner:
First, attending four "instruction meetings" as held by a recognized local group. During this time he will read the official AA book complete. After which the chairman of the instruction meeting will recommend his name to the chairman of the local group.
Second, attending four "regular meetings" of that same local group. After which, any two members of not less than `six months' sobriety may recommend his name to the chairman of the local group as an active member...
2. An active member may transfer from one local group to another by notifying the respective chairmen of the groups affected. Definite registration in some one particular group is essential.
3. Any active member who, for any reason, resumes drinking...immediately permits his membership to lapse...
4. No provision of this code is intended to prohibit, or to limit in any way, the practice of the principles of AA by any individual who may choose to conduct his own interpretations of AA...But any such individual...shall not use the copyrighted name "AA" or attend AA meetings, make any hospital calls on AA patients, or represent himself as a member of the AA Group of Metropolitan Detroit.
(May 1982 AA Grapevine)