The Structure
Unlike most nonprofit organizations, AA does not have a president. It keeps no formal membership roles, requires no dues or fees and does not actively fundraise. AA calls itself "a fellowship of men and women" who unite to "solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop drinking." The group's central services office in New York has about 85 workers who keep in touch with localized groups throughout the world. The organization has two operating corporations, which report to a general-services board composed of 14 AA members and seven "nonalcoholic friends of the Fellowship." AA publishes literature about alcoholism and its approach to sobriety in a monthly international journal, books and information pamphlets.