Wait! We Get Chips??? Cool!!! 🤗

Not those kind, silly! 

These kind!

History & Symbolism

AA "Chips or "Coins," are milestone achievement medallions, small tokens awarded to members as they reach their individual stages of sobriety. They are tangible reminders of commitment, perseverance and progress, helping folks to stay motivated and focused on recovery. They are pocket sized "worry stones," if you will, serving as reminders of all a person has gone through to reach his or her own personal Shiloh destination. They are positive reinforcements of the long-standing AA principles of "one day at a time" & "progress over perfection."

The tradition of chips started around 1940 somewhere in Indianapolis. Early chips were made of aluminum to symbolize the 24-hour commitment to sobriety; bronze chips were later provided to commemorate longer-term achievements. The practice was inspired by earlier temperance movements and religious tokens that emphasized accountability, hope, & personal growth.

AA chips are more than just markers of time well spent. They are tangible representations symbolizing resilience, community support, and a person's ongoing journey of recovery. They provide encouragement for newcomers and recognition for long-term members, fostering a sense of accomplishment and shared success within the AA Fellowship. Sponsors are proud to witness their sponsee's success, too! 👏

Typically, there are coins marking 24 hrs; 30-60-90 Days; 6 Mos; 9 Mos.; Yearly, and so on. AA as an Organization does not provide the chips; they are typically provided by each group to it's own respective members by means of the group's funds and a service member who oversees the purchase and distribution. Members are encouraged to communicate directly with the designated "Chip Person" to receive their appropriate chips. Alternatively, which takes all the group support fun out of the celebration 😶, folks are free to purchase their own from any number of retail sources such as some of those listed below. *** A very cool alternative would be if a group has the talent/resources to craft their own to honor their members!!! Now that's love, y'all! 😍

Go, 'head! Get you some chips! You've earned it, Buckaroo! 😘