ABOUT TTF

The Third Tradition Fellowship was formed to provide transparent, accountable support for AA meetings in our community. On this page, you can learn who we are, how we began, and how we serve.

History

The Third Tradition Fellowship (TTF) is a tax-exempt charitable corporation established in 2021 by a group of recovering alcoholics who attend in-person and online meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in the Solana Beach area of San Diego County.  TTF was created to collect, manage and distribute money from member contributions. We take our name from the third of AA’s 12 Traditions: “The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking. “

Watch this short video for a quick overview.

Tax-exempt status Both the State of California Franchise Tax Board and the US Internal Revenue Service have recognized TTF as a non-profit, tax-exempt organization in compliance with section 501 (c) (3) of the IRS code.  All donations to AA through TTF are fully tax-deductible as charitable contributions. 

How we make a difference Money collected at AA meetings served by TTF is used to support recovery from alcoholism through the delivery of the AA 12 Step Program and the services of Alcoholics Anonymous locally, regionally, and nationally. Our contributions are distributed based on a "pie chart" reviewed and approved annually by our members. 

TTF does not accept outside contributions, nor do we contribute money to outside issues, causes, organizations, or individuals. 

By selecting the Contribute link, you can see the current pie chart by which we allocate funds to support AA. You can also securely make a tax-deductible contribution using PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle

BellyUpAA? TTF? Aren’t they the same? No. They are two separate, but connected entities. BellyUpAA runs the in-person and Zoom AA meetings. It is guided by a steering committee elected by members. The BUAA meetings created TTF.

Although some of the same people are involved, TTF is a separate organization - an independent, not-for-profit charitable corporation which was created to manage the finances of the meetings in compliance with tax laws. TTF operates according to Bylaws formally adopted by the BUAA meetings. Watch the video above for a succinct explanation. 

TTF serves and reports to the BUAA steering committee. In addition to the BUAA meetings, TTF also serves a few other local meetings in the San Diego area. The day-to-day affairs of TTF are guided by an elected seven-person Board of Directors composed of volunteers who receive no compensation. They are trusted servants, they do not govern.

In creating TTF as well as in its daily operations,  the Third Tradition Fellowship observes the 12 Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous as well as AA's Guidelines on Finance and other AA documents, principles, and traditions. TTF is not owned, operated, or controlled by Alcoholics Anonymous.

If you are interested in a service commitment with TTF, or if you have questions or comments, we invite you to use the Contact link to send email to the TTF Board of Directors. You will receive a response typically within 48 hours.

Want to learn more? We have prepared an easy-to-read Q&A document which explains the history, formation, rationale, structure, and operations of the Third Tradition Fellowship.

COMMENTS & QUESTIONS: Email ThirdTraditionMeeting@gmail.com

This site is maintained by Third Tradition Fellowship and is not affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

AA® and Alcoholics Anonymous® are registered trademarks of A.A. World Services, Inc.

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