A useful piece of literature

A member kindly sent in a scan of the following piece of Al-Anon literature (cheers!) (unfortunately this is not available as a free download from the Al-Anon site. Similarly to AA it would seem that they've failed to grasp the concept of being fully self-supporting ENTIRELY on the basis of VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS .. and not via profits from literature sales – which do not constitute “voluntary contributions”

That aside it's a pity that AA guidance on sponsorship is not as explicit as that outlined here. You'll note how far Al-Anon philosophy on the subject diverges from that practised by the cult (who incidentally have also tried to infiltrate Al-Anon). According to Al-Anon sponsorship is “a confidential relationship”. However it is not uncommon for cult sponsors to pass on information communicated to them privately (eg. Step Four/Five) to their sponsors under the guise of obtaining 'guidance' - not much trust to be found here! And hardly a 'private relationship”. Further:

“Sponsorship Is: ….

...built on equality [again not part of the cult approach where the sponsee is regarded more like a piece of 'property' to be ordered about]....

A commitment to practice healthy communication – not based on intimidation or demands [again a process entirely at odds with the cult ethos if it can even be called that! Cult sponsorship is based purely on a set of demands – you MUST do this and you MUST do that with the implied, and frequently explicit threat that failure to comply will be met with the ultimate sanction …. YOU WILL DRINK AGAIN! Or the lesser, and in our view much to be desired sanction – YOU WILL BE FIRED!]........

Not a teacher-pupil relationship [see above – cult sponsorship is more like a master-slave relationship].......

An experience [not] based on … shame or judgement [again an approach running directly contrary to the cult approach which is all about “shame” and “judgement”].....

… no strings attached [again with the cult there are not so much strings attached but bloody great ropes with anchors]......”

And: 

“Sponsors – Members who are: 

….Respectful of the anonymity of others [see above] ….

Willing to freely give their time to the relationship [a bit difficult if you have more than two or three sponsees on the go .. and impossible with twenty or thirty sponsees … not unknown in cult circles]......

Continuing to work on their own recovery [again a bit difficult if you're busy running other peoples' lives]......

Comfortable to be with; encouraging, not pushy [the precise antithesis of any kind cult sponsor/sponsee relationship].....

Open minded listeners [ditto]......

Equal partners in recovery [see above]......

Able to listen without giving advice [forget it! Not going to happen with a cult sponsor. And REMEMBER - they don't give advice - they give DIRECTIONS!]

Maybe this book mark should be REQUIRED reading for all cult sponsors. They might get the idea …. eventually. But don't hold your breath!

Cheerio

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS Also see our “Newcomers Pack”

Alcohol research

Drinking and alcohol (NHS)

Alcohol Care Teams: to reduce acute hospital admissions and improve quality of care, NICE, May, 2014

Statistics for alcohol treatment activity in England 2011-12. National Drug Treatment Monitoring System

Drugs and Alcohol, Public Health England

Alcohol myth buster, NHS

Drinks tracker for iPhone, NHS

Drinking self-assessment, NHS

Pregnant binge drinking 'affects child's behaviour', NHS, Jan, 2014

See also Links and downloads

PS For AA Minority Report 2013 click here

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

Conference questions not quite up to par! (contd)

29.

Would the Fellowship please reflect upon the strengths and weaknesses of the Preamble for its use as an attractive description of AA as AA is in UK society today at the beginning of the 21st century and then conclude as to what action, if any, needs to be taken.

This writer is neither implying nor expecting that Conference 2015 should suggest a rewording of the Preamble but rather hopes that the question will create an opportunity for the fellowship to take inventory of an important piece of AA literature which is easy to take for granted.

Terms of Reference No. 7 Copyright is held by AA in United States.

Comment: Good idea! Here's ours! (see respective entries)

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS For AA Minority Report 2013 click here

Alcohol research

Cheap alcohol to be banned before the World Cup in England and Wales, Independent, Feb, 2014

British armed forces suffer record levels of alcohol abuse, Independent, May, 2014

 

See also Links and downloads

PS For AA Minority Report 2013 click here

Conference questions not quite up to par! (contd)

28.

How can we improve the 12‐step list, making sure it’s regularly updated? Ensuring that Telephone Responders have current information so the telephone helpline operates efficiently and effectively. Also, due to lack of Telephone Liaison Officers and apathy of service, would Conference consider how we can encourage the Fellowship to be more pro‐active in the telephone service?

Background

When Bill W made his first 12‐step call to Dr. Bob he had been given a list of names to contact by telephone. This message should still be carried today. Would Conference consider revising and looking at the structure of the 12‐step list and how it is monitored, throughout the telephone service.

Terms of Reference No. 6/7 Lack of background material and a local issue.

Comment: Perennial problem with a perennial solution... 'Nuff said!

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS For AA Minority Report 2013 click here

Alcohol research

Controlling the sale and supply of alcohol, Gov UK

Consultation on enabling targeted, local alternatives to personal licences to sell alcohol, Gov UK, Sept, 2013

Reducing harmful drinking, Gov UK

Alcohol and late night refreshment licensing England and Wales 31 March 2013, Home Office, Nov, 2013

Independent North Review of Drink and Drug Driving Law, Gov UK, 2010

5 interesting facts about alcohol consumption in Great Britain, (ONS), Dec, 2013

Social media giants Twitter and Facebook should introduce health warnings, LGA, Feb, 2014

Alcohol-related deaths in the United Kingdom, registered in 2012, (ONS), Feb, 2014

Local Alcohol Action Areas to tackle irresponsible drinking, Home Office, Feb, 2014

Banning the sale of alcohol below the cost of duty plus VAT, Home Office, Feb, 2014

Consultation over relaxation of licensing hours during World Cup 2014 - a done deal?, Home Office, March, 2014

Licensing can help reduce £3.5 billion annual alcohol-related NHS bill, LGA, Feb, 2014

Proposal for the Introduction of an Early Morning Alcohol Restriction Order, Lambeth Council, Jan, 2014

Reducing harmful drinking, Dept of Health

National Statistics Statistics on Alcohol - England, 2013 [NS], Health and Social Care Information Centre, May, 2013

Public Health Outcomes Framework 2013 to 2016, Dept of Health, Jan, 2013

Public Health England Business Plan 2014 to 2015, Public Health England, June, 2014

Statistics on Alcohol - England, 2014, Health and Social Care Information Centre, May, 2014

(Mandatory Licensing Conditions) Order 2010, Home Office 

Public Health England marketing strategy: 2014 to 2017, Public Health England, July, 2014

Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use Among Young People in England – 2013, Health and Social Care Information Centre, 2013

Lifeskills education and alcohol education in schools, Dept of Health, 2014

Public Health Responsibility Deal, Dept of Health

New Responsibility Deal alcohol pledges published today, Dept of Health, July, 2014

See also Links and downloads

PS For AA Minority Report 2013 click here

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

Conference questions not quite up to par! (contd)

26 
Would Conference discuss whether the conscience of the group is properly represented when the current service structure in Great Britain does not allow GSRs a vote at regional level?

Background: 

With ever-increasing vacancies in the service structure at regional level, delegates are being elected by an ever-decreasing quorum. There is a risk that the "actual voice and effective conscience" of the AA groups is not being carried.

References:

The 48th General Service Conference 2013 Report, Committee 4, Question 1:
"The most successful methods were where groups have an active, well ‐ supported and enthusiastic GSR who forms a vital link between the individual member and the wider fellowship."
AA Structure Handbook for Great Britain 2013, pp.80‐81
AA World Service Manuel [sic], pp.s15‐s22
Concepts 1 & 9
Pamphlets: The Twelve Traditions Illustrated, The AA Group and Rewards of being a GSR.

Terms of Reference No. 7 Covered in existing literature.

Comment: God forbid that democracy should ever break out in AA! What on earth would we do? Why! That would be like treating AA members as adults..... who knows where it might end???

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous …. and particularly heavy on the irony today) 

PS For AA Minority Report 2013 click here

Alcohol research

Change4Life alcohol campaign warns of ‘sneaky drinks', UK Gov, Feb, 2013

Chapter 2 - Drinking (General Lifestyle Survey Overview), Office for National Statistics, UK, March 2013

Rebalancing the Licensing Act, UK Gov, July, 2010

Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006, UK Gov, 2006

Alcohol strategy consultation, UK Gov, Nov, 2012

Early Morning Alcohol Restriction Orders, Home Office, UK, 2011

Late night levy, Home Office, UK, 2011

Guidance on the consumption of alcohol by children and young people, Dept. of Health, UK, Dec, 2009

Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use Among Young People in England – 2012, Health and Social Care Information Centre, UK, July, 2015

Guidance on mandatory licensing conditions, Home Office, UK, Sept, 2014

Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act: supporting guidance, UK Gov, Sept, 2012

See also Links and downloads

PS For AA Minority Report 2013 click here

The 13th Step

the13thstepfilm.com

Another perspective on AA ….. remember that bit about keeping an open-mind!

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

Conference questions not quite up to par! (contd)

25. 
There has been a growing prejudice and willingness to try and expel or punish certain individuals or groups over the last couple of years. Can Conference please discuss ways in which itself and the GSB can show more leadership in assisting unity in areas where this attitude is prevalent?

Background

In some Intergroups, it is known that some Groups are being excluded, or their members are being prevented from taking part in Service. Often, this is because nominations are actively blocked, often leaving a variety of Intergroup Service positions vacant, rather than allow the election of a capable and willing AA from the ‘disliked’ Group.

Conference or the GSB could offer practical advice on how Groups could act in a more unified way, or in certain circumstances advise how those AA Groups having genuine concerns could highlight them to Conference or the GSB and ask whether it / they would be prepared to make the ‘offer of mediation’ (AA Service Manual combined with Twelve Concepts for World Service, 2004‐2005 edition, p.72).

Traditions 1, 4 and 10

Terms of Reference No. 5/6 Similar question at Conference 2013 (Comm 5, Question 2). Lack of background material.

Comment: Not them again! (see below). As for “capable and willing” ….. maybe willing but certainly not capable! But we like the idea of mediation ….. that's a new tack! On the other hand maybe they should just bugger off! How's that for a bit of mediation? Lacking in finesse a bit perhaps but hardly in concision ….

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous … and usually to the point!)

PS For AA Minority Report 2013 click here

Alcohol research

NICE release 'alcohol public health' briefing to assist local authorities

Alcohol use disorders: diagnosis, assessment and management of harmful drinking and alcohol dependence

NICE publish guidance on 'Behaviour change: individual approaches (PH49)

Alcohol dependence and harmful alcohol use: full guideline

See also Links and downloads

PS For AA Minority Report 2013 click here

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

Conference questions not quite up to par! (contd)

24. 
AA groups are being denied their basic right of membership in local Intergroups . This action also denies them participation in Region and Conference. Can Conference please clarify this situation and give advice so that minorities in AA are no longer banished from our Service/Conference structure and that their conscience is heard.

Background

• When these groups have asked the assistance of Conference in the past they have been told “it’s a local issue” and up to the “conscience of those concerned”. When the Conscience of those concerned deal with it, by fo [sic]

• Conference 2012 Comm 5 Qu 2 says that by being part of the group conscience and valuing the importance of love, tolerance and the right to participate, we can best strengthen the unity of the Fellowship.

Terms of Reference No. 6/7 Lack of clarity in the question and background material and that this is a matter to be decided locally.

Comment: Here we go! Sounds like the Bournemouth Road to Recovery cult group bleating about their rights ….again … and again … and …. Funny thing is that those who most protest their rights usually have the least regard for the rights of others .. and certainly no conception of their own duties or responsibilities! And where does it say that a group has a “basic right” to membership in a local intergroup? Surely that's up to the groups to decide … which brings us back to the response.... “that this is a matter to be decided locally” .. We always find it highly ironic (and even a little amusing) to hear cult members talk about love and tolerance .. they know so little of it themselves. As to the RIGHT to participate this refers to Concept IV:

“4. At all responsible levels, we ought to maintain a traditional “Right of Participation,” allowing a voting representation in reasonable proportion to the responsibility that each must discharge.”

So one of the prerequisites for assuming such a “Right” is that those concerned have some faint grasp of the concept of responsibility, and its application, something rather lacking in cult circles generally …. After all you wouldn't put a paedophile in charge of a nursery would you?

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS For AA Minority Report 2013 click here

Conference questions not quite up to par! (contd)

22. 

Would Conference consider reverting to the original meaning of the term ‘GSR’, i.e. ‘General Service Representative’? 

Background 

The term ‘GSR’ in the UK service structure stands for ‘Group Service Representative’. However, the term originally stood for ‘General Service Representative’. The word ‘general’ intends a more expansive and important role for the GSR; instead of the current role, which is largely concerned with organising service within the Home Group, and which is inward‐looking. A general service rep is someone who plays an integral role in weaving together the ‘grass roots’ of AA into an effective group conscience. The current, inward-looking role of the GSR is ineffective – Intergroups seem distant from Regional Assemblies, which in turn appear distant from the General Service Conference, which is supposed to be the active voice and effective conscience of our whole Fellowship.

The World Service Manual states that the General Service Representative represents the voice of the group conscience, and that the GSR has the job of linking their group with AA as a whole, reporting the group’s thoughts to the (Conference) Delegate. It goes on to say that only when the GSR communicates the group conscience can the Conference truly act for AA as a whole. The World Service Manual states that the qualifications of a GSR should include activity in a group, Intergroup or other service, i.e. doing service at Intergroup is background work to being a GSR. The GSR’s real and substantive role is seen to be one that includes participation at meetings where the Delegates are elected. In this way the role of the General Service Representative is seen to link the grass roots of AA to the General Service Conference, which really would make it the ‘most important job in AA’.
 

Terms of Reference No. 7 Group Service Representative is used in the Service Handbook approved at Conference 2013. Also cost implications.

Comment: Anything which introduces even a modicum of democracy into the running of AA would be helpful. Do you even know who your conference delegate is? No. Nor do we!

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS For AA Minority Report 2013 click here

Alcohol research

Acpo issues 'drunk tanks' call to tackle disorder, BBC News, Sept, 2013

Newcastle council introduces alcohol minimum pricing, Publican's Morning Advertiser, Sept, 2013

The right medicine for alcoholics, Washington Post, Aug, 2013

How I Broke Up (And Eventually Got Back Together) With AA, Huffpost, Oct, 2013

Getting away 'Scot-free' from alcoholism, Aljazeera, Oct, 2013

Move to tackle cheap alcohol sales 'on way', Irish News, Sept, 2013

Alcohol protection orders in Northern Territory 'will criminalise alcoholism', Guardian, Nov, 2013

See also Links and downloads

PS For AA Minority Report 2013 click here

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

Conference questions not quite up to par! (contd)

18.

Since reading page 13 in SHARE June 2012, I have found that ‘Pineapple Peter’s’ statement leads me to ask the following question:

Why have Intergroups stopped reminding AA groups to include Guideline 17 in quarterly group conscience meetings?

All the guidelines are essential for those in service posts but Guideline 17 reminds all AA members that there is a duty to stamp out any sign of a return to the sick agenda that was curtailed by AA’s national review in 2002; to protect newcomers from abuse, that caused some of them to seek help from outside authorities who demanded AAs should do something about it and so we should continue to do, for our own sobriety and AA unity.

Terms of Reference No. 6 Insufficient background information

19.

Can the Fellowship share experience and make recommendations that provide some specific guidance that both protects members, especially Newcomers from predatory sexual behaviour and existing members from mistaken allegations of the same thing.

Reason for submission:

There have been recent allegations of sexually inappropriate behaviour to newcomers from experienced AA members. These allegations bring the name of Alcoholics Anonymous into disrepute, whether accurate or not. The fact that they are made at all indicate that a Newcomer has felt vulnerable in a fellowship where they should feel safe. The members accused are powerless to defend themselves against a perception of inappropriate behaviour. Many newcomers have come from situations where they may have been abused and may easily misinterpret the innate friendship in AA as inappropriate behaviour.

Our current guidance in the Structure Handbook (pp 82‐86) skirts around the issue of personal conduct, and does not specifically address sexual predation (alleged or otherwise), or how we should respond to this at Group, Intergroup and Regional level.

Background Information:

The AA Structure Handbook The Group, Section 5 (pp82‐86).

Traditions: 1, 2, 4, 5, and 12. (Twelve Steps & Twelve Traditions ‘Contents’)

The Language of the Heart Tradition One, Tradition Two, Tradition Four, Tradition Five and Tradition Twelve

Report to Conference 2002 Guideline 17: http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/download/1/Library/Documents/AA%20Service%20News/111%20Summer%202002.pdf

Terms of Reference No. 7 There have been several submissions covering this topic and a question has been selected that encompasses all areas of the subject matter with appropriate background material.

Comment: See previous entry on subject. It's ACTION not words that are needed!

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS For AA Minority Report 2013 click here

Alcohol research

Are Alcoholism and Addiction in Our Blood?, HuffPost, May, 2013

Alcoholism Linked To Drinking During Puberty, International Science Times, May, 2013

Obesity is not a disease - and neither is alcoholism, Fox News, June, 2013

Alcohol is killing too many of us, Guardian, June, 2013

Should those with a vested interest comment on minimum alcohol pricing?, Guardian, April, 2013

Bill W. – Famous, Yet Seldom Seen, New York Times, May, 2013

The myths of boozed-up Britain, BBC News, Jan, 2010

Alcohol is a factor in many fatal assaults, says forensics expert, New Irish News, July, 2013

'Worrying' rise in alcohol-related deaths among women in their 30s and 40s, Guardian, July, 2013

Public health statistics could cease to be published amid wave of budget cuts, Guardian, July, 2013

See also Links and downloads

PS For AA Minority Report 2013 click here

Conference questions not quite up to par! (contd)

17. 
Would Conference discuss and make recommendations: that as a Fellowship, we are failing to continue to raise awareness on an ongoing basis as is required by law, by not paying enough attention or challenging the unacceptable, inappropriate and unlawful sexual conduct by some AA members.

Awareness of this problem has been brought to the attention of Conference on numerous occasions throughout the years, but the truth is there are still a minority of people who continue to take advantage of the more vulnerable members of the Fellowship in a completely unacceptable manner.

As part of our service to the Fellowship we must protect our members and stay out of public controversy. Recent events within the UK have highlighted the need for all organisations to be dealing with problems such as these on an ongoing and transparent way.

The discussion document of 2000 was highlighted as a starting point only and in these current times it is essential we are able to demonstrate we have moved from the starting point, and ensure that every member of this Fellowship is reminded, on a regular and ongoing basis, of their individual responsibilities for their personal conduct.

I ask Conference to discuss and agree the issue for a reminder to all groups of the group conscience responsibility regarding their responsibility.

Background information

No member of the Fellowship is above the law of the land.

Terms of Reference No. 7 There have been several submissions covering this topic and a question has been selected that encompasses all areas of the subject matter with appropriate background material.

Comment: This is indeed a perennial issue which shows no signs of going away. The problem is not lack of guidance on the subject nor lack of awareness... it is one of implementation. And that is the responsibility of the membership … not York... not Region... not Intergroup.... but …... us …. right here and right now! And it's not just a question of sexual predation but of bullying and general thuggery which is unfortunately becoming the norm, at least in the cult groups. (see our various entries on the subject). If this behaviour constitutes criminal conduct either ring 999 (free) for more serious and urgent offences or 101 (maximum of 15p per call) for non-emergency. We'll be doing our bit by 'outing' the offenders on the site. So if you don't want the publicity the solution is simple .. pack it in!

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS For AA Minority Report 2013 click here

Alcohol research

Alcohol turning our children into zombies! (Daily Nation, Dec 2012)

Russians warily turn to AA in battle with alcohol (Medical Press, Jan 2013)

Religion and Addiction (BBC Radio 4 Beyond Belief, March 2013)

Minimum alcohol price still in balance as Cameron fudges his booze pledge (Guardian, March 2013)

Why Irish People Feel They Have No Alternative but to Celebrate St Patrick's Day (Science Daily, March 2013)

Britons underestimate their booze intake by up to 40%, survey shows (Associated Press, Feb 2013)

UK government: a newly (?) acquired subsidiary of the alcohol industry! (BBC News, March 2013)

The Changing World of Alcoholics Anonymous (New York Times, Feb 1988)

Ten facts about Alcohol Awareness Month (Examiner.com, April 2013)

Alcohol and England: what do we know? (Guardian, May 2013)

Prescriptions to treat alcoholism soar by almost 75% in last decade (Independent, May 2013)

See also Links and downloads

PS For AA Minority Report 2013 click here

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)