AA/NA Donations
A reader asks whether they are required to donate money at AA meetings, noting they avoid attending when they can't afford to give because they feel ashamed.
Answered by Anna Deeds, MSED, NCC, LPC
Question
Do I have to put money in the pot at AA meetings? If I don't have money, I don't go because I am ashamed.
Thank you for your question. Please do not miss a meeting because you don't have money to donate! It is only a donation, not a requirement. Believe me, everyone understands not everyone can afford to donate each time they go to a meeting. It is not something to be ashamed of. Meetings are free. If you keep going to them, your life will improve. When it does and you can afford to donate later, do it then. Until then, get the most you can from each meeting and forget about the basket. I wish you good luck, and I hope you will continue to attend meetings.
About the Expert
Anna Deeds
MSED, NCC, LPC
Uniontown, United States of America
Specialties
Anger Management, Sex Therapy, Personality Disorders, Divorce, Compulsive Disorders, OCD, Addiction or Substance Abuse, Thinking Disorders, Trauma and PTSD, Anxiety or Fears, ADHD, Relationship Issues, Women, Loss or Grief, Eating Disorders, Depression, Finding Your Purpose in Life
License
my_license #PC005996