"Our public image consists of what we have to offer: a successful, proven way of maintaining a drug-free lifestyle."
Basic Text, p. 75
Yes, we are attracting new members. More and more addicts are finding Narcotics Anonymous. But how do we treat our newest members when they arrive, worn out from their struggles with addiction? Do we reach out to newcomers who are standing by themselves at our meetings, confused and uncertain? Are we willing to give them rides to meetings? Do we still work one-on-one with the addict who suffers? Do we give out our phone numbers? Are we eager to go on a Twelfth Step call, even if it means getting up from our comfortable beds in the middle of the night? Will we work with someone who has a different sexual orientation or is from another culture? Are we generous with the gift of our time?
No doubt we were met with love and acceptance by our fellow addicts. What attracted many of us to Narcotics Anonymous was the feeling that we had finally found a place where we belonged. Are we offering that same sense of belonging to our newer members? We cannot promote Narcotics Anonymous. But when we put principles into action in our lives, we attract newer members to the NA way, just as we were attracted to recovery.
Just for Today: I will work with a newcomer. I will remember that I was once a newcomer myself. I will seek to attract others with the same sense of belonging I've found in NA.
Morning Avid! Our last business meeting we put together a group conscience on giving out a "welcome packet' to all newcomers.Includes our home group telephone numbers,we are looking over what IP'S we are going to put in #7,#11 #16#22 so far(am I an addict,sponsorship,for the newcomer,welcome to NA.We are going to finalize if it will be just "new"(first time)if it will be 3 days.5 days whatver.also not new to our group and how we'll look at"just coming back" Also white key tag,hugs we wont get in the envelope,they'll be manual:) When we get more 7th tradition $$$ we are looking at giving out a basic text or so to those also new ,30 days ETC..,to be discussed.5th tradition tells us we need to carry the message that an addict,any addict ,can stop using drugs",lose the desire to use and find a new way to live" we are trying to do that in a supportive way.It sounds like common sense idea but it doesnt go on like we would like to see it.Newcomers have many questions and sometimes may not want to ask so this will be a good way of letting them,either call a member afterward,read their IP'S AND MAYBE EVEN GET SOME LITERATURE EARLY. We;ll finalize in a couple weeks when all in agreement in and hopefully offer more help to newcomers than now seem to presently getting at least from our homegroup...Our group does not look at these packets as "promotion " but of reaching out more than we are at the moment..Think back to how much info you got when you first showed up? could you have used a little more info? We are relying on God as He expresses Himself in our group conscience rather than on our own opinions or ego's.(2nd tradition)we'll see
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
