AA MINORITY REPORT 2017 (revised)

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Sunday 24 January 2016

Welcoming a Newcomer to the Group (draft)


AA conference (2016)

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Comment: By and large the document consists of a range of pretty sensible suggestions although we would question whether in fact a “strong home group is paramount”. We would argue of far greater importance is a solid grasp of Step One, something which can only be accomplished by the individual concerned. The remainder of the programme consists largely of what might be described as 'trimmings' which are entirely optional. You don't need to believe in God (just so long as you don't think you ARE God!) to get and stay sober nor do you need to get on your knees to pray (or pray at all), and it certainly isn't a requirement to get a sponsor or assign to anyone the right to run your life. That's your responsibility.

We would strongly endorse the notion that AA members should be fully conversant with all the literature relating to newcomers specifically Chapter Seven Working WITH Others (our emphasis), a section of which cult members seem to remain totally ignorant. As for “greeters” one or two are quite sufficient rather than the customary hordes of 'happy clappers' which assail any poor unfortunates who happen to cross their path. As for the 'men for men' and 'women for women' recommendation this seems to assume a particular sexual inclination which is by no means universal. We know of plenty of gay members who find a reverse pairing more helpful. It's also worth noting that no mention is made of AA members asking people new to the fellowship for their contact details. They may offer their own but this implies no reciprocity. Your phone number, email address etc are your business and no one else's! It's called 'anonymity'. Finally as for so-called “Newcomer” meetings ALL AA meetings are newcomer meetings. Too often the former simply serve simply as 'hunting grounds' for cult predators searching out 'fresh meat'.

Cheers

The Fellas (
Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

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