Here's something kinda cool for you service junkies.
Currently our area covers a good portion of the southwest corner of our state. It's pretty big, actually... but what I've seen recently is that the smaller groups in the itty bitty towns in the western part of the area (near where I live) never have a presence at the ASC (due to geography, lack of funds, ignorance about ASC service, etc).
Prior to my time, these towns were part of the "Southwest Minnesota" area. It folded in late 2006 (due to egos run wild, personalities, etc). When some of us got clean, it was hard enough to attend meetings and stay clean, let alone think about ASC meetings... so we never really understood what it was all about. :) In May of 2009 we decided to join a different area (Back 2 Basics), and got to see what it was all about, as this is/was a strong area.
As a sidenote, the closest ASC meeting (it rotates on occasion) is a 2.5 hour drive. So in looking at our primary purpose, we decided recently to start up the old area. We have a real need for unity in rural Minnesota, especially since some of these meetings only have 6 regularly in attendance. We also had a local meeting that decided that traditions were not important, "especially in rural America." Being a tradition nazi, I went totally ape-shit on that meeting. It's getting better... despite a few resentments. :)
So tonight, my hubby and I (and whoever else we can round up) are going to a meeting 30 miles away to do a little outreach and investigation. They are not part of ANY area right now, and our wish is to see all of these meetings grow.
Currently, we have 9 meetings (in 5 towns) that are wanting to get involved and are willing to do some legwork to get the discussion going.
I'm super excited about this!
Those who have service positions at the Back 2 Basics ASC currently plan to complete their term before joining the new-formed area, so as to not disrupt the flow of service at the current one. I've been reminded that there will be resentments to be had by ASC members at Back 2 Basics, but to keep our minds on the primary purpose: to reach the still-suffering addict.
We are in the middle of forming a new area too. Our area is getting too big. The main reason is to provide better service to homegroups in a geographically distinct area. The homegroups can provide better serve the suffering addict if they have help at the area level. Some homegroups are not being well-served in our current area. There will be resentments as a result of forming the new area, but I believe it will be a good thing.
"ego's run wild" Oh yeah, I have seen that big time. I don't know what it is about area service that does that. I have seen people with years in the program, people who are respected for their ESH go to an area meeting and revert to being an out of control poster person for addiction. Good luck getting your new service area off the ground. It all starts with the groups
So I did some reading last night in the Guide to Local Services in NA and found something I'd never seen before. Mind you, I live in a town of 13,000 people, which is the largest town in a 70 mile radius. On page 65-66 in the GTLS, it talks about forming rural "co-ops." It's an interesting read.
My thought is that this would be a baby step in the direction of forming a new area. Basically these groups that would form the new area would go to the co-op meetings once a month (which would be a MUCH shorter distance), take care of local H&I, PI, activities, and group problem solving needs at this level, then send a representative to the area.
From the area's point of view, there wouldn't be much of a difference from what it's like now. We typically only have one or two people from over here that typically go that way. From the small town point of view, they get to know what's happening, get involved, have their voice heard via a representative, and gain some unity that's currently lacking.
We went to that "meeting" last night, and the doors were locked. The pastor was around and told us that the group hadn't met in over 10 years. Yikes! And it was still on the regional meeting list... Needless to say, it was removed IMMEDIATELY!
We went to that "meeting" last night, and the doors were locked. The pastor was around and told us that the group hadn't met in over 10 years. Yikes! And it was still on the regional meeting list... Needless to say, it was removed IMMEDIATELY!
Wow, it seems like establishing communication is the first order of business. You have your work cut out for you. Good Luck!
I'm finding my place in service, that's for sure. I've tried a number of different things from local level service (secretary, GSR, treasurer) as well as area level service (secretary, H&I, PI, activities) and think I've found my niche: maintaining meeting lists. There's nothing I hate more than having an outdated meeting list. I feel like an idiot to have been clean for (almost) 4 years and never knew that meeting wasn't going on. Aah well. We made the trip and it was great conversation with a few other addicts. Had our own meeting in the car. :)
There are a few more I want to check out - I know they're going on for sure, but have really low attendance. It's all about unity, baby!
If Groups in a geographic area choose to form their own Area Service Committee to better serve their Groups, such is as it should be.
We went through the same (or similar) thing about 25 years ago when we in SW Washington broke from the Portland, Oregon ASC and formed the SW Washington ASC. I remember the ASC meeting when we informed the Portland ASC the SW Washington Groups were forming a new Area. They said we couldn't do it, we ASRs representing the Groups in SW Washington simply let them know we already did, the Portland Groups had no say in the matter.
Yes there were some hard feelings for a spell. Long since water under the bridge.
FWIW since that time what was then the SW Washington ASC is now two ASCs.
-- Edited by Mike M on Wednesday 13th of April 2011 12:20:40 AM
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