The Responsibility Declaration

"I am responsible. When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there. And for that: I am responsible."

Originally written by Al S., an editor for the Grapevine, Bill W. further explained the declaration in an article for the Grapevine called "Responsibility Is Our Theme," published in July of 1965. The essence of the being responsible for carrying the message. comes from the twelfth step and the fifth tradition, which states "Each group has but one primary purpose—to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers."

Most sponsors will direct their sponsees to become a sponsor only upon completion of the twelve steps. However, as Chuck C. puts it in A New Pair of Glasses, anybody who has at least a day sober and the means can always "carry the alcoholic to the message."