~ 2002 Form ~
Moreland, Georgia Edit October 2001
The flexibility that is inherent in the autonomy we speak of in this Tradition is very important. It allows for innumerable variations in format, service opportunities, etc. so that every addict can feel comfortable in finding a home group. The important thing is that the NA message and the atmosphere of recovery be provided.
One of the privileges of having a home group is assisting with the decisions that concern the group. We are able to use our creative energy to serve. For example, we can choose our formats, our literature and our trusted servants. We are part of, depended on, and valued members. The Fourth Tradition ensures that we respect our fellowship as a whole, in order to keep a clear message of recovery. We choose our formats any way we want them, keeping in language conducive to recovery in the NA fellowship. Sharing celebrations of recovery in the NA fellowship being concise not to affiliate. We can choose our trusted servants and we can even write how we want our trusted servants to carry our conscience. We can print our own literature, respecting our seventh tradition while keeping in mind our literature is approved and we should not change the wording or context. We are able to form our groups with our newly found freedom. We become one of the constants in the newcomer’s eyes. We surrender to group conscience and the principle of the Fourth Tradition in unity with NA as a whole.
Each group is self-governing and periodically chooses members to become trusted servants. It is the responsibility of a group to carry the message of recovery to the still suffering addict. It is the responsibility of a group member to support, not only physically, but also spiritually and emotionally. If we ware instruments of God's will, and God is present in our group conscience, then why should we not support our group not only by placing money in the basket, but by getting involved in the affairs of the group.
Personal preference must never be allowed to interfere with group conscience or what is good for the group as a whole. We must examine our personal preferences to see where they are coming from. Usually it is a matter of ego and therefore must be put aside. While we have a right to our feelings and our expression of those feelings, it is one of the great principles that we do not impose our will on others, depriving them of their say in the matter of their lives. Integrity is a matter of doing the right thing and standing up for the Traditions of NA regardless of personal preferences. Integrity is something that we cannot allow to be compromised.
Tradition four tells me that each group has some mobility within their own group as long as no Traditions are broken. Certain groups and members wish to conduct meetings with different formats. As a long as our primary purpose is not compromised, this is fine. With this in mind, each group should have their GSR attend Area Service so that the group is kept well informed as to what is happening within the next level of service. There are a great variety of meetings within the fellowship: Open discussion, speaker discussion, candlelight meetings, etc. This gives us the option in many areas to choose a different type of meeting on any given night. However, no matter where we go to an NA meeting, the message is always the same. Most of us, as addicts, need this type of stability in our lives.
[5.1.2002]
persons have visited this site since May 1, 2002
Reprinted from the
N.A. FELLOWSHIP USE ONLY
Copyright � December 1998
Victor Hugo Sewell, Jr.
N.A. Foundation Group
673 Park Drive - Atlanta, Georgia 30306
[email protected]
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All rights reserved. This draft may be copied by members of Narcotics Anonymous for the purpose of writing input for future drafts, enhancing the recovery of NA members and for the general welfare of the Narcotics Anonymous Fellowship as a whole. The use of an individual name is simply a registration requirement of the Library of Congress and not a departure from the spirit or letter of the Pledge, Preface or Introduction of this book. Any reproduction by individuals or organizations outside the Fellowship of Narcotics Anonymous is prohibited. Any reproduction of this document for personal or corporate monetary gain is prohibited.
Last update December 18, 2002