Prior to the writing of the Big Book, A.A. operated with a kind of loosely stated Six Step system. Below is a short version of those Six Steps which Bill W. wrote out in his own hand many years later, in April 1953, probably for Father Ed Dowling. This document was brought to our knowledge by Biker Gary G. (Sparta, New Jersey), who has a copy in his collection. Below is a photograph of a photocopy of the original, which is in the New York A.A. Archives. It reads:
For Ed –
- Admitted hopeless
- Got Honest with self
- Got honest with another
- Made Amends
- Helped other without demand
- Prayed to God as you understand Him
Ever
Apr/1953 Bill W.
Original AA steps