London Euston: Gratitude in Action Big Book Study (contd)

See below

The ignorance (or duplicity perhaps?) displayed by the organisers of this “International AA(?) Gathering” might be excused on the grounds that they constitute yet another gang of clueless Big Book 'chancers'. But London South West Intergroup surely cannot raise the same defence. Yet if you read the minutes of the intergroup discussion on this issue (which we have) you will find a lot of questions raised but very few answers forthcoming. Indeed it is quite worrying to observe the general lack of awareness of AA Traditions (not to mention guidelines) throughout, Traditions which this intergroup is supposed to uphold. It should be said at this juncture that it is not uncommon for GSR attendance at London South West IG meetings to be as low as 25 per cent. Therefore the latter can hardly be considered a representative body by any standard you might wish to apply. Perhaps we can take some consolation in this fact whilst clinging to the hope that the remainder of the groups are not so blighted as this particular part of the service structure. As far as we can discern only one group (New Malden Sunday) seemed to inject any clarity into the discussion arguing (quite correctly in our view) that both the organisers and the Intergroup itself were in clear breach of Tradition Four ie. both had failed to properly consult with all interested parties viz. the two London regions and their constituent intergroups. Proper discussion was further hampered by the actions of both the outgoing Chairman and her current replacement. The former's grasp of the Traditions (specifically Tradition Four) can best be described as not even rudimentary. Clearly she believed that the statement “each group is autonomous” adequately summed up the substance and intent of this particular guideline. It does not (we invite you to read the Tradition for yourself, and ponder all of its implications) Moreover her main function in the debate seemed to be to act as both 'apologist' and 'cheerleader' for the “International AA(?) Gathering” position whilst 'ramming' through the proposal at the greatest possible speed, and in the process obstructing even minimal reasoning. Her departure from Intergroup might be considered as something of a blessing until you consider the actions of her successor, and her own blatant disregard of AA guidelines....

(to be contd)

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS Thanks to our various correspondents

See also:

Plymouth (cult) Intergroup corruption

For AA Minority Report 2013 click here

London Euston: Gratitude in Action Big Book Study

We've received a number of emails recently concerning an “International AA Gathering” being staged in London later this year by the above group (previously it was referred to as a “Conference” until someone presumably drew their attention to the fact that we already have one - and don't need two!).

Throughout their deliberations the organisers seemed to have remained blissfully unaware of the existing AA service structure omitting to mention anything about this “International Conference” to the surrounding London Intergroups which might have had some interest in the matter. Only desultory contact had been made (or so we are informed) with GSO York (which has absolutely no say in the matter). Other than that – zilch... or not, that is, until they contacted London South West Intergroup (clearly as an afterthought). What followed then that can only be described as a fiasco (but we'll come to that at a later date).

Our correspondence indicate a number of objections were raised by members as more details about this AA(?) Gathering emerged.

Firstly – finances. The event (since it was not sponsored by any London intergroup) was apparently being funded by the organisers. Moreover a number of speakers from the US were being 'advertised' as appearing at the “Gathering”. It was not made clear whether their expenses were being paid for out of ticket sales. The organisers now claim that the visitors will be meeting their own costs.

Secondly – the anonymity principle. The website promoting this event includes the first name and initial of the main speakers. This is a practice widely used in the US to advertise various 'star turns' ie. usually self-appointed (and anointed) Big Book recovery 'experts'. Although not in breach of the letter of the Traditions this practice is clearly not in accord with their spirit. Moreover, as we have already indicated, most of the main speakers (with the exception of one from Bristol – Newcomers Group perhaps?) hail from the US. We're not entirely clear quite why 'missionaries' are required to carry the AA message in this instance.

Thirdly – the AA logo. The “AA Gathering” website displayed (and displays) quite improperly the AA logo. According to the Guidelines the use of this is reserved for specific parts of the service structure – not just anyone who feels like it. However after the event was 'bounced' through South West London Intergroup it may make some claim to legitimacy ….

(to be continued)

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS Thanks to our various correspondents

See also:

Plymouth (cult) Intergroup corruption 

For AA Minority Report 2013 click here