“London Calling”: AA (?) (or Rent-a-Gob) contd

Continuing with our “London Calling” saga you will observe from the following links the striking similarities between the London Calling “Gathering” promotional website and another AA (?) set-up (Gallup) located in New Mexico (with some of the same speakers appearing). These events serve primarily a 'missionary' function imparting what is claimed to be an esoteric knowledge which is the preserve (or so it seems) of only the chosen few. The rest of us unfortunates - blind as we are to the 'one true message' (or so it is implied) - are deemed to need this 'elect' to communicate their special insights into the programme in order that we heathens might benefit from their unique knowledge blah di blah di blah ….. Of course no such event would be complete without the presence of the UK's foremost 'rent-a-gob', no less a personage than Plymouth Road to Recovery (cult) group's Wayne P. Wayne, despite suffering from a chronic condition know as 'keg displacement' or 'falling down trouser' syndrome, bravely made his way from the south west to Wimbledon to impart his own incomparable vision of recovery. For those of you who have not come across this cult group's self-appointed guru before (and let's face it - you can number only a few!), and were unfortunate enough to miss this groundbreaking event, fear not! With only a couple of clicks you too can witness the pearls of wisdom as they slide oleaginously from Wayne's lips! It's rather unfortunate perhaps that their lustre has faded somewhat with the passage of time. As far as we can tell Wayne's progress along the Road of Happy Destiny seems to have got stuck somewhat in a 'retrogressive groove' – or to put it another way – he's coming out with the same old 'pony' (Cockney rhyming slang – pony and trap rhymes with ….!) as he was in the mid-eighties. His 'message' (if you can call it that) consists solely of 'get a sponsor' and 'do what your sponsor says' - that's it! No more! We're at a loss somewhat as to why precisely he was asked to 'do a turn' at the Wimbledon International Gathering. After all it was promoted as a Big Book event, and what Wayne knows about the Big Book can easily be put on the back of a postage stamp with room to spare. Still ours not to reason why! Who can doubt the veracity of such a sage's utterances, and especially with his pedigree – or rather that of his sponsors. Firstly there was David B, a man who displayed such stunning hypocrisy as to almost defy belief, who would ceaselessly exhort anyone who wasn't able to get away in time to 'get a sponsor' and 'do what your sponsor says' but somehow managed to do without one himself – and then lied about it! And then there was Clancy – but the less said about him the better! But it would seem neither of these have been able to help Wayne with his dreadful affliction, the aforementioned keg displacement. Still we live in hope! The age of miracles is not dead! In the meantime we're quite sure that Wayne's latest 'squeeze' (a newcomer) will console him after the departure of his previous partner (impregnated but now redundant), not forgetting, of course, his ex-wife. We know that we have in the past advised Wayne to 'go forth and multiply' but not for one moment did we think he'd take it literally!

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

See also:

Plymouth (cult) Intergroup corruption

For AA Minority Report 2013 click here

It's a complicated business dying!

The last will and testament of Lois Burnham Wilson (and assorted wrangling). For those amongst you who find watching paint dry a fascinating pastime you'll be absolutely gripped by this little offering.

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS Our thanks (??) to the member who sent this in to us

The Worst Vice is 'Advice'

AA ADVICE

Page 125 of the Big Book has some good advice on not giving advice: 

“We find it better, when possible, to stick to our own stories. A man may criticize or laugh at himself and it will affect others favourably, but criticism or ridicule coming from another often produces the contrary effect. Members of a family should watch such matters carefully, for one careless, inconsiderate remark has been known to raise the very devil. We alcoholics are sensitive people. It takes some of us a long time to outgrow that serious handicap.

The bottom of page 18 also touches on this concept when discussing how to best approach someone you want to help

...that his whole deportment shouts at the new prospect that he is a man with a real answer, that he has no attitude of Holier Than Thou, nothing whatever except the sincere desire to be helpful; that there are no fees to pay, no axes to grind, no people to please, no lectures to be endured - these are the conditions we have found most effective.

Taking responsibility for our own attitudes, actions, and neglects is far more difficult than managing and directing other people's lives. 

Giving advice to another, for example, is much easier than practising what we preach. If we would apply our advice to our own lives, we would have less time to criticize, correct, or interfere in someone else's difficulties. Moreover, we would be amazed at how many alternatives we have within our own grasp that could solve, or at least alleviate, the problems in our lives. “ 

ADVICE occurs 16 times (Definition from Merriam-Webster Online)

advise

advised
adviser 

1. ... advice. 12 and 12 p.135, Tradition Two

When sorely perplexed, the group inevitably turns to them for advice.

2. ... advice. BB p.70, How It Works

We avoid hysterical thinking or advice.

3. ... advice. BB p.73, Into Action

We have seldom told them the whole truth nor have we followed their advice.

4. ... advice. BB p.96, Working With Others

Having had the experience yourself, you can give him much practical advice.

5. ... advice. BB p.121, To Wives

We realize that we have been giving you much direction and advice.

6. ... advice. BB p.133, The Family Afterward

One of the many doctors who had the opportunity of reading this book in manuscript form told us that the use of sweets was often helpful, of course depending upon a doctor's advice.

7. ... advice about their affairs which we aren't ... 12 and 12 p.111, Step Twelve

Perhaps we try to give them advice about their affairs which we aren't really competent to give or ought not give at all.

8. ... advice and accept direction could we set ... 12 and 12 p.59, Step Five

Only by discussing ourselves, holding back nothing, only by being willing to take advice and accept direction could we set foot on the road to straight thinking, solid honesty, and genuine humility.

9. ... advice as the sprees got closer together. BB p.106, To Wives

We began to ask medical advice as the sprees got closer together.

10. ... advice from the Foundation that it could ... 12 and 12 p.148, Tradition Four

By his eloquence he allayed all fears, despite advice from the Foundation that it could issue no charter, and that ventures which mixed an A.A. group with medication and education had come to sticky ends elsewhere.

11. ... advice is. 12 and 12 p.60, Step Five

The benefit of talking to another person is that we can get his direct comment and counsel on our situation, and there can be no doubt in our minds what that advice is.

12. ... advice is given for his family also. BB p.90, Working With Others

This advice is given for his family also.

13. ... advice is rejected, or when it is ... 12 and 12 p.111, Step Twelve

Then we are hurt and confused when the advice is rejected, or when it is accepted and brings still greater confusion.

14. ... advice, judges no one's conduct, issues no ... 12 and 12 p.134, Tradition Two

The committee gives no spiritual advice, judges no one's conduct, issues no orders.

15. ... advice of others may be by no ... 12 and 12 p.60, Step Five

While the comment or advice of others may be by no means infallible, it is likely to be far more specific than any direct guidance we may receive while we are still so inexperienced in establishing contact with a Power greater than ourselves.

16. ... advice or suggestions from more experienced members, ... 12 and 12 p.173, Tradition Nine

This doesn't mean an A.A. won't take advice or suggestions from more experienced members, but he surely won't take orders

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS Our thanks to the member who sent this info to us

See also:

Plymouth (cult) Intergroup corruption

For AA Minority Report 2013 click here

“Hard core” Back to Basics

Flier seen at meeting:

Our correspondent (US) kindly included a quote from Bill W (Responsibility Is Our Theme; The Language of the Heart, p 333; AA Grapevine July 1965)

"It is an historical fact that practically all groupings of men and women tend to become more dogmatic; their beliefs and practices harden and sometimes freeze ... But dogma has its liabilities. Simply because we have convictions that work well for us, it becomes very easy to assume that we have all the truth. Whenever this brand of arrogance develops, we are certain to become aggressive; we demand agreement with us; we play God. This isn't good dogma; it's very bad dogma. It could be especially destructive for us of AA to indulge in this sort of thing. Newcomers are approaching AA at the rate of tens of thousands yearly. They represent almost every belief and attitude imaginable. We have atheists and agnostics. We have people of nearly every race, culture and religion. In AA we are supposed to be bound together in the kinship of a common suffering. Consequently, the full individual liberty to practice any creed or principle or therapy whatever should be a first consideration for us all."

For a development of this theme see White, W., and Kurtz, E. (2010). A message of tolerance and celebration: The portrayal of multiple pathways of recovery in the writings of Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder Bill Wilson

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS Our thanks to our correspondent

See also:

AA Recovery rates
Primary Purpose/Back to Basics
Minority Report 2013

A 'suggested' AA OATH and Alternate Preamble

The Bill Wilson Pledge of Allegiance to Alcoholics Anonymous

I pledge allegiance to the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, and to the 12 Step program for which it stands, one nation under Bill Wilson, anonymous, with an incurable disease, and ever lasting relapse and recovery for all.

The Bill Wilson Oath of Office for Alcoholics Anonymous Intergroup Presidents:

I do soberly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the Intergroup, and will to the best of my manipulation, preserve, protect, grow and defend the prospect hunting area of the Intergroup so that a plentiful supply of newcomers can always be feasted upon by all.

The Bill Wilson swearing in of Alcoholics Anonymous member:

Please place your hand on the Big Book. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, except when to do so would injure them or others or bring the AA name into public controversy, so help you Bill Wilson?

ALTERNATE PREAMBLE

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS is a group of, mostly older men who try to impose their brand of orthodoxy and purity upon others.
The only requirement for membership is blind obedience to what they say.
There are no dues or fees.
They love to talk about, and insist upon, a belief in a “Christian” religious tradition.
They constantly engage in controversy, fear, judgement and criticism, yet do not practice what they preach.
Their primary purpose is to make others feel bad.

The above is based upon experience, not the Big Book.

Comment: Satire …. but only slightly!

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS Thanks to our correspondent

See also:

Plymouth (cult) Intergroup corruption 

For AA Minority Report 2013 click here

“London Calling”: AA (?) convention (contd)

Further to our previous entries we quote from a copy of an email sent to us: 

“For attn: GSRs, Intergroup officers (and interested members)

  
Circulation list: GSO, Trustees of the General Service Board, London Region (north), London Region (south) and their constituent IGs 

To whom it may concern, 

I am contacting you in my capacity as GSR New Malden (Sunday)(London South West Intergroup LSWIG) group in accordance with our group conscience (and Tradition Four). 

Despite repeated representations on our part to LSWIG the Intergroup in our view has been negligent in its responsibilities (with only a few notable exceptions) having failed to properly observe both the Guidelines and Traditions. Therefore it falls to us to remedy these omissions and bring to your attention the following. 

Under Tradition Four (as you are probably aware) groups may exercise autonomy although this latitude is not without qualification ie. “except in matters affecting other groups or AA as a whole”. 

Following on from the second section of the Tradition we draw your attention to the following event (of which you may or may not be aware):

 London Calling (see link: http://www.londoncallingaa.com) 

We have argued that since this “gathering” is clearly intended to be London-wide in scope under the above Tradition the organisers should have consulted with both relevant regions (London north and London south) together with their constituent intergroups (it might also be argued that since this is described as an “International” event the Trustees of the GSB should have been consulted under the same tradition). To the best of our knowledge they have not (with the exception of LSWIG within whose boundaries the event is to be located). 

We refer you here to the minutes of the two intergroup meetings where the issue was raised. See attachments “Minutes 27 March 2015 (1)” and “Minutes 29 May 2015” 

In our view the issue was not properly debated and the matter rushed through without proper deliberation with group officers (specifically the Chair) giving inaccurate advice on the aforementioned Tradition. It is clear from the minutes that the London Calling Committee only belatedly chose to consult LSWIG and then merely to have the event 'rubber-stamped'. LSWIG duly obliged. (Note: references are made in the minutes and also in the “ex-chair's report” (see attachment “Ex-chair's report 31.7.15”) to consultation with both GSO York and the London office. In both cases the matter was referred back to the IG advising them where the final responsibility remains). 

We raised our objections with LSWIG (sometimes referred to as SWLIG as an alternative acronym) drawing attention not only to London Calling's omissions but also to their own in deciding to endorse the event thereby lending the AA name (and logo) to the enterprise. These are summarised in the following attachments: “London Calling Supporting doc 31.7.15” and also the original agenda item submitted by the New Malden (Sunday) group. (“New Malden Agenda item”). 

The question was again discussed at the IG meeting held on the 31st July (see: “Agenda 31 July 2015”), which the New Malden group decided to boycott for procedural reasons. See “Boycott 26.7.15”). However we have been informed that the Intergroup voted to press ahead with the endorsement of the London Calling event notwithstanding our objections. 

I apologise for the length (and apparent complexity) of this correspondence but feel it is important your Intergroup/Region be placed in full possession of all the relevant facts (we also refer you here to the London Calling Chair's response to our agenda item: “Kamyar's [London Calling Chair] response 31.7.15”) should you wish to deliberate the matter further. We believe that LSWIG, even if only as a matter of courtesy, should have presented you with this information themselves. 

We should also add at this point that we have additional concerns about the London Calling event which were not directly raised with LSWIG viz. their advertising (and promotion) of named speakers which we believe is a fundamental breach of Tradition Twelve. 

We leave the matter in your hands. Should you wish further clarification please do not hesitate to contact me, 

Regards 

…....”

(GSR New Malden Sunday)

(edits to preserve anonymity)

Comment: It's interesting isn't it that this group is able to accomplish what both the so-called London Calling AA(?) Gathering and London South West Intergroup have so far failed to do ie. abide by Tradition Four - and consult with ALL interested parties (to be continued)

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS Thanks to our correspondent

See also:

Plymouth (cult) Intergroup corruption

For AA Minority Report 2013 click here

“London Calling”: AA (?) convention

We've received further correspondence on this so-called 'AA Gathering' specifically the arguments presented by the New Malden Sunday group in opposition to London South West Intergroup's rushed through, ill-conceived (and improper) endorsement of this event (in breach, by our reckoning, of not only Tradition Four but also Traditions Two, Seven, Ten, Eleven and Twelve – not bad! Half the set!)

We quote: 

“Group: New Malden (Sunday)

Our proposed item for the [Intergroup] agenda:

The group opposes SWLIG [or LSWIG] decision to support the London Calling 'Conference on the following grounds:

1) SWLIG exceeded its powers in endorsing a London-wide event (in breach of Tradition Four);

2) London Calling failed (and fail) to comply with AA Guidelines on conventions (notwithstanding subsequent modifications)(breach of Tradition Four);

3) London Calling organisers have thus demonstrated themselves to be either ineligible or incompetent to stage the event;

4) Their use of the AA logo is improper.

Background:

SWLIG acted beyond its own remit in endorsing this event. London Calling is described as an “International AA Gathering” and is clearly intended to be London-wide (if not national) in scope. SWLIG comprises only one intergroup out of the two London regions. In effect the intergroup itself is in breach of Tradition Four for failing to consult at least the other constituent intergroups.

The organisers of the 'Conference' (or convention) have not complied with the AA guidelines on conventions No. 15 (p..57) (2011) (notwithstanding their assurances on speakers' expenses and the appointment of London Region South Treasurer to their committee). Such an endorsement 'after the fact' in our view establishes a dangerous precedent

We regard the organisers' explanation that they were unaware of conference guidelines as either implausible or indicative of a level of competence which should render them ineligible to run such an event. Moreover not only did they disregard the guidelines but also Tradition Four.

From the above their use of the AA logo (on their website and fliers) is improper (see Copyright/Logo in Guidelines (p. 3)

Our proposals:

that SWLIG reverses its decision and withdraws both its endorsement and the participation of the London Region South treasurer on their committee;

that London Calling be formally notified of this decision;

that London Calling be instructed to desist from its improper use of the AA logo on its website, fliers and any other advertising literature;

that any fliers which have been distributed via the groups be destroyed accordingly, and their further distribution denied;

that SWLIG (because of its prior endorsement, and in order to avoid any confusion) issues a notice to be communicated to all members that it no longer endorses London Calling as an AA convention;

that a formal apology is offered to other intergroups in the two London Regions for our failure to properly consult with them under Tradition Four;

that in future (to avoid any potential controversy) where a decision is to be taken which may contravene guidelines, traditions etc the matter is referred back to AA's highest authority ie. the conscience of the groups (in accordance with the inverted triangle hierarchy)”

Comment: In brief - we concur. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, the remaining 16 intergroups and two regions that make up London AA still haven't been consulted! But more on this later …....

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS Thanks to our correspondent

See also:

Plymouth (cult) Intergroup corruption

For AA Minority Report 2013 click here

Critics Say Washington AA Chapter Is Cultlike

Extract:

“By the time May Clancy turned 15 years old, she was well on her way to drinking herself to death. A middle-school student from Potomac, Md., she had been through 11 different psychiatric and alcohol-rehab programs in two years. Each time, she started drinking again as soon as she got out. Her parents were terrified. "We'd taken her to hospitals—everything possible to get her the best care that we could," says May's father, Mike. "And all these places told us that they didn't think she could make it without Alcoholics Anonymous.”

So in November 2005, when May agreed to begin attending meetings at Midtown, one of the oldest and largest AA groups in the Washington, D.C., area, it felt like a miracle. Other AA meetings in the city attracted mostly older men and women; Midtown was known as a place for recovering alcoholics in their teens and 20s. Some of the group's senior members were older, but there were also dozens of high-school and college kids with stories a lot like hers. From the moment she arrived, they seemed to go out of their way to welcome her. At first, May was thrilled to find a group of people who accepted her as she was. "When I went there," she says, "I didn't really talk to anybody, didn't trust anybody. And these people would hang out with me even if I didn't say anything, and include me in conversations. I was desperate to be liked at that point."

But something about Midtown was not right. After a few months, the group's embrace of May began to feel like a chokehold. She says the sponsor assigned to give her moral support and help keep her sober pressured her to cut off ties to anyone outside the group. Another member snatched her cell phone and deleted names in the directory. She says she was pressured to stop taking the medication a doctor had prescribed to manage her bipolar disorder: group members told her she couldn't be sober if she was taking any kind of drug. There was a hierarchy to the group. Younger members were sometimes expected to wash cars, clean houses and do other menial chores for more senior members.”

Source: Newsweek – Culture (5/6/07)

Comment: It all sounds very familiar! But when anonymity transmutes into secrecy and autonomy tyranny what do you expect!

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

See also:

AA Recovery rates
Primary Purpose/Back to Basics
Minority Report 2013