The philosophy of Seventh Step is based on history; a history of having faith that people can change and faith that by way of utilizing the seven steps, one can begin to achieve and maintain their freedom. This was the vision of Seventh Step’s originators; Bill Sands and Reverend James Post in Kansas State Prison. A recidivist offender himself, Bill Sands gained inspiration through San Quentin’s Warden at the time, Clinton Duffy and in 1963 Seventh Step took its first steps. It was designed to reach the recidivist; the rounder, the hardcore convict population with the end goal to reduce and eliminate those recidivist behaviours. By re-formatting the 12 steps into 7 to fit the principles of freedom and the value on that freedom, individuals are challenged to think realistically and take responsibility for their thoughts, attitudes, and behaviours.

A main premise of Seventh Step is perspective. For the individual to gain a well-rounded perspective of the society they will have to re-enter, the triad of membership is imperative. This triad includes the non-offender, the ex-offender, and the current offender. The non-offender plays a crucial role in that they bring a perspective that can offer new ways of thinking and acting for the offender.
In 1967, Seventh Step was introduced into Canada. Tom Gordon, Jim Sabourin, and Jack Lynch began in Haney Correctional Institute and then into other facilities in the lower mainland in the Vancouver area. Under the direction and passion of Pat and Bea Graham, the Seventh Step Society of Canada became a registered charity, a non-profit organization in 1981, and remains in current good standing with Government of Canada.