Why is AA called a “fellowship?”
Why is it so important that AA is a "fellowship" and not an "organization?"
A fellowship is, by definition, "the condition of sharing similar interests, ideals, or experiences... The companionship of individuals in a congenial atmosphere and on equal terms... a close association of friends or equals sharing similar interests." Compare this with the language on p. 17 of our basic text:
"We are people who normally would not mix. But there exists among us a fellowship, a friendliness, and an understanding which is indescribably wonderful... The feeling of having shared in a common peril is one element in the powerful cement which binds us. But that in itself would never have held us together as we are now joined... The tremendous fact for every one of us is that we have discovered a common solution. We have a way out on which we can absolutely agree, and upon which we can join in brotherly and harmonious action."
On the other hand, an "Organization" is "a group of persons organized for a particular purpose; an association." The word describes a group of people working together; it doesn't reflect common experience or social involvement.
A college fraternity or a group of war veterans could be a fellowship while a group of garbage truck manufacturers working to achieve their common goals would only be an organization.
All fellowships are organizations, but only organizations with a deep social bond are fellowships.
