The PTAA has different categories of membership depending on age, or whether it is a lifelong or a temporary membership.
Click here to read reflections from a number of Pioneers on what it means to be a Pioneer.
It is also possible, of course, to support the Pioneers without becoming a member.
Lifelong
Any adult over 16 who has abstained from alcohol for at least one year in the immediate prior period may apply for lifelong membership.
Lifelong Pioneers commit to doing three things
- Abstain from all alcoholic drink
- Wear the Pioneer emblem
- Recite the Pioneer prayer twice daily
Juvenile Pioneers
Juvenile Pioneers are children aged eight to eleven years who, with the consent of their parents, take a pledge of total abstinence from alcoholic drink until an agreed age, typically 18. In addition they agree to wear the pioneer badge and to say the Juvenile pioneer prayer twice daily. (link to what we do/ prayer page)
Many of these join as part of PTAA activities at local parish or school level.
Young Pioneers
Young Pioneers are 12 years and over and take a pledge of total abstinence from alcoholic drink. This may be until a particular age - typically 18, or it may be that they move on and take the full adult pledge at 16. Regardless of what age a Young pioneer takes the pledge of abstinence from alcoholic drink, in addition they take a promise to keep off drugs for life. As with all Pioneers they promise to wear the pioneer badge and to say the youth pioneer prayer twice daily. (link to what we do/ prayer page)
There are a series of events organized for Young Pioneers. Click here to find out more (to events/ young Pioneer events)
Limited-Period Pledge
Some people wish to make a commitment to abstain from alcohol for a limited period of their life. This may be as a prelude to becoming a full pioneer.
Or it may simply be a sacrifice for a particular period.
Many people for example take a pledge for the Lenten period.
This may be renewed as frequently as is wished.
People who have made a limited pledge promise to say the Pioneer prayer twice daily for the period of the pledge.
Support the Pioneers without becoming a member
Thousands of people across the country help the Pioneers by attending Pioneer events, organising activities, making church gate collections, etc. This support and help is vital and is deeply appreciated.
There are many ways to support the Pioneers without becoming a member:
These include:
- Helping your local centre in organising activities. Email Ray O'Connor ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) to make contact with your local centre
- Helping the Young Pioneers to organise events for young people (sports etc) - click here to find out more about these activities
- Subscribe to the Monthly Pioneer Magazine - click here
- Making a donation to help fund the Pioneers and their activity – click here (to want to help/donate now)
