Unity Step 6
Gamblers Anonymous ought never endorse, finance, or lend the Gamblers Anonymous name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary purpose
Most fundamental at this point is the constant awareness that Gamblers Anonymous is so willing to cooperate but not “Affiliate” with any outside enterprise. Any other course presents the possibility of controversy clouded behind the motives and direction of any well-meaning group or individual, creating a diversion from the primary purpose of Gamblers Anonymous.
If we were to apply our energies toward any “related facilities” would we then set aside time and attention required to share with the suffering compulsive gambler? And would we then suffer from internal strife as we argue over money, rules, requirements; frightening?
Yes. So we preserve the tradition of not lending the Gamblers Anonymous name.
Gamblers Anonymous works in large part because the program is kept pure of outside interests. Energy, time and money would be wasted by supporting any outside cause or organization. Such support would also be detrimental to the public acceptance of individual groups or the Fellowship as a whole. Endorsement of anything outside of the Fellowship would lead to internal disagreement. For these reasons, Gamblers Anonymous also takes no part in political causes or public issues.
This tradition warns us to stay within our area of expertise. One gambler helping the other is the reason for our existence. We should confine our actions to helping other compulsive gamblers for the maximum result and without the possibility of offending anyone.