UNITY
When I think of the topic of unity, I first think of our symbol--the circle with a triangle inside. I am also prone to think of the times it seems that the unity of AA is stretched to its limits--business meetings, district meetings, and assembly meetings. But it seems that unity always prevails in the end and the focus comes back to what is best for AA as a whole.
We've all heard it said that the threat to AA doesn't come from the outside--it comes from within. I was told, as a newcomer to AA, that it was my responsibility as an AA member to learn the Traditions. These Traditions are to ensure our unity. Because we get so involved in the struggle for recovery, a common fault is that we tend to forget and overlook the other sides of the triangle.
We have been told and perhaps have learned from experience that resentment is the number one offender--the primary cause of relapse into drinking. So it too affects unity. Given enough anger, both AA's unity and purpose are lost. Without unity a group cannot survive. Without groups none of us can continue to live. As individuals in the group we are told to keep it simple. But when it comes to groups, districts, and areas, we find we have to either organize or face the chaos--and chaos is not simplicity.
Each group in the world is a part of our circle of love and every member depends on unity for his or her survival. This unity ensures that AA will be here for millions of alcoholics still to come. We have proven that we can't survive on our own resources, but together, with God as our guide, we can.
from a Grapevine article, date & author unknown