“An A.A. group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the A.A. name to any related facility or
outside enterprise…”

Sounds formal, right? Like something meant for a lawyer or an accountant. But Tradition Six isn’t just a policy — it’s a protection. For me, it’s also a humbling reminder that even with the best intentions, I still have the capacity to wander off course.

A Sunny Day, a Post, and a Mistake

It was a regular afternoon — puppies lounging in the sun, breeze coming through the sliding door, and me on the couch doing my usual: checking email, writing, posting on social media. I run a business that supports people in recovery. It’s not A.A., but it lives in the same neighborhood.

That day, I posted something that blurred the line. I didn’t mean to — but in a moment of creative flow (and possibly ego), I made it look like A.A. itself was supporting something outside of A.A. A fellow traveler gently pointed it out. No accusations. Just a single, loving comment:

“How can this be correct?”

I bristled. I stiffened. I prepared for battle. And then… I paused. I’ve worked the steps. I know ego and
self-centeredness well — they’re old roommates. Before recovery, I might’ve snapped back: “Don’t you know who I am?”

But my brother in recovery did know who I was: a well-meaning alcoholic who made a mistake.

Step Six in Real Life

Thanks to the work I’ve done in the program — especially Step Six — I was able to breathe, reread what I’d posted, and see clearly: yep, I crossed a line. I edited the post. I apologized. And not only did nothing fall apart… I ended up closer to the person who called me out.
Funny how that works.

Learning = Less Judging

Not long after, I was in a meeting where someone casually offered a discount on a product at a fellowship event. Again — innocent. But I recognized the same fuzzy line I had just danced across. Because I’d been there, I didn’t judge. I didn’t gossip. I didn’t raise my hand. I just said a prayer and kept the focus where it belonged: on recovery.

Where It Gets Tricky

It’s not always obvious when we’re veering off course. Some common examples I’ve seen:

● Bowling nights promoted with the A.A. name — what happens if someone gets hurt?
● Weekend retreats called “AA Mountain Recovery” where money changes hands and business entangles spirituality.
● Podcasts or YouTube channels that use “A.A.” in the title or logo, unintentionally suggesting that the Fellowship supports or sponsors the creator.

Here’s the thing: people can quote the Big Book. They can use it. It belongs to all of us. But what we can’t do is imply that the Big Book — or A.A. itself — supports us, our events, or our businesses.

How This Shapes My Coaching

At Sober Step Solutions, I work hard to live in alignment with these principles. Our coaching services are designed to complement—not compete with—the work of sponsors and the 12 steps. We help people set goals, build life skills, and navigate recovery in their daily lives. But we do so with deep respect for the spiritual path that brought us here.

I’ll never claim A.A. endorses what I do — it doesn’t. And it shouldn’t. That’s not its job. But what I’ve learned, thanks to this Tradition, is that when I honor those boundaries, the work I do becomes clearer, stronger, and more respectful.

Final Thought

Tradition Six doesn’t box me in — it protects the alcoholic who still suffers. It keeps my ego in check and my focus where it belongs. One hand reaching out to the next. No endorsements required.