The concept of anonymity as applied to Twelve Step Programs appears in Traditions Eleven and Twelve, which give guidelines for members of the fellowship.

We need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, films, and TV. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.

In Tradition Eleven, when we, as members, represent SA in the public media, we talk about the principles of the Program without attaching our personal names or self-seeking behaviors. This teaches humility and also protects the well-being of the Fellowship if one of us loses sobriety or takes a public stand. S.A., in fact, has no public stands!

Tradition Twelve focuses on anonymity as “the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.” This is a strong and startling assertion. Why does this serve as the very foundation of all our Traditions?

Here, the AA founders are pointing to something much deeper than simply refraining from using our personal names and attending meetings as equals. The early AAs saw that group survival was essential for helping the newcomer and for their own continued sobriety. They came to realize that anonymity at depth is the principle that points us away from the things that can destroy the group—self-will, grandiosity, manipulation, pushing our own agendas, politicking, and other very human forms of self-seeking behavior—and points us toward those attitudes that unify the group and bring us peace, humility, acceptance, love, and service as individuals. Thereby the group conscience can come to the fore and be guided by God’s love. Sometimes God’s gifts come so easily and naturally that we don’t even notice. God, who provides us with so many beautiful gifts—beginning with sobriety—does not need to crow and take credit. If God, who deserves our gratitude, thanks, and recognition, can remain anonymous, then we can seek to include the practice of anonymity in our daily lives.