Unity, Service, Recovery in AA | The Three Legacies Explained

Recovery, Unity, Service in AA (The Three Legacies)

In AA you may hear a simple triangle described as Recovery, Unity, and Service — often called the Three Legacies. It’s a practical way to explain how AA supports sobriety: Recovery through the Steps, Unity through the Traditions, and Service through helping others and supporting the meeting.

Recovery

Recovery — the Steps in real life
Recovery is the personal side: staying sober, changing how we live, and learning new ways to deal with fear, resentment, shame, and cravings.

What recovery can look like

Going to meetings consistently
Getting a sponsor and doing Step work
Being honest with yourself and another person
Practising spiritual principles daily (in your own language)

Unity

Unity — why groups stay safe and focused
Unity is how we treat each other and how meetings run smoothly. It’s the reason many AA groups follow simple practices: respect, anonymity, and shared purpose.

Service

Service — getting out of self
Service can be tiny or big. It helps many people stay sober because it builds purpose and belonging.

Examples:

Greeting newcomers
Reading
Timekeeping
Chairing
Safety/security roles
Helping with behind-the-scenes admin

If you want to do service at NKC, start by showing up consistently and asking how you can help.

How to start at NKC

Your simple next steps

Join the meeting daily. The schedule is here https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/schedule
Ask for help and listen for someone you relate to
Use the sponsor guide to choose your sponsor and start working the Steps. The sponsor guide is here https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/sponsor
If service interests you, explore service roles. Our service page is here https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/service

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at Contact Us if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What does “Recovery Unity Service” mean in AA?

It’s a simple way of describing the three parts that help AA work. Recovery is personal change through the Steps. Unity is how groups stay safe and focused through the Traditions. Service is helping others and supporting the group (from small tasks to bigger commitments). Many people find that when they stay connected in all three areas, sobriety becomes more stable.

Do I need service to stay sober?

No - you don’t “have to” do service to be sober. In early recovery, the essentials are: don’t drink today, go to meetings, reach out, and get support. That said, service helps many people because it gets us out of isolation, builds routine, and creates a sense of belonging. Start small and only do what you can sustain.

What’s the easiest service for a newcomer?

The easiest service is often simply showing up consistently and being willing to help in small ways. In meetings, that can look like reading a short passage when asked, helping welcome newcomers, or supporting basic meeting flow (like timing). If you’re unsure, ask a trusted servant/host what small role would be appropriate for you right now.

How do the Traditions relate to unity?

The Traditions are practical guidelines that help AA groups stay united and focused on the primary purpose: helping alcoholics recover. They support unity by encouraging things like conscience, putting principles before personalities, avoiding outside controversies, protecting anonymity, and keeping the group self-supporting. When groups follow the Traditions, meetings tend to be safer, calmer, and more welcoming — especially for newcomers.

What are the Three Legacies of AA?

The Three Legacies are commonly described as Recovery (the Steps), Unity (the Traditions), and Service (helping others and supporting the group). Many people find that keeping some connection to all three strengthens long-term sobriety.