One Big Tent

From Grapevine, the international journal of Alcoholics Anonymous, stories that reflect the shared experience of secular AA members

Atheists, agnostics, nonbelievers and secular alcoholics have been members of AA since its earliest days, making significant contributions to the development of the program. But for some, finding their path has not always been easy.

One Big Tent is a collection of stories originally published in Grapevine which represent the shared experience of secular AA members who have struggled with alcoholism, yet ultimately found a common solution and a welcoming community in Alcoholics Anonymous.

From working through initial reservations about the spiritual aspects of recovery to ultimately finding one’s place within the Fellowship, members of diverse backgrounds—and with diverse beliefs—share how the program works for them, how they find value by engaging in service, and speak of the joy of sponsoring others in their recovery.