Currently, we accept 7th Tradition donations through PayPal. Sending donations through PayPal directly to our WeAgDonate@gmail.com address doesn’t cost us a percentage. If PayPal is an issue for you, please email us for assistance.
Security, safety and anonymity when making virtual 7th tradition donations.
In recent years a number of groups have utilized digital payment platforms to provide opportunities for members to make cashless contributions. There are different payment platforms to facilitate this service, and it is up to the group to determine which one to use. Experience suggests that the treasurer is a natural choice to handle digital contributions. Some groups, however, share the responsibilities among trusted servants or even create a new service position to inform group members about digital payment options and assist those who are interested in contributing this way.
Q. Our group is meeting virtually as a result of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Our meeting costs are low, so why do we need to take a Seventh Tradition collection?
A. The spirit of self-support ensures that even minimal expenses are borne by the whole group rather than by individual members. In addition, many groups want to continue support for other ACA services. The We Agnostics Virtual Intergroup has its own costs which require support, and expenses as we support the work of committees, such as the Secular Literature committee, and plan future events.
Q. What about anonymity?
A. Some digital payment platforms have social components that members may want to disable to protect anonymity. For example, changing the privacy settings on Venmo so contributions are only visible to the sender and recipient.
Q. What are some best practices groups have found for digital 7th Tradition donations?
A. Often it will be the group treasurer who sets up the account and links it to the bank account the group is using. It is helpful to choose a username for the account that is simple and intuitive since it will be shared with those attending the meeting. Groups may opt to avoid using a personal email that reveals someone’s full name so as not to compromise that person’s anonymity. Often at the beginning of a digital meeting, or during a break, groups will share the username through the chat or a screen share as they make an announcement about practicing the Seventh Tradition. It is recommended that groups do not share the username as part of the meeting’s public online information.