I have started 2 new meetings in rural Illinois. These meetings are not very big. Usually 5 - 10 people show up. Out of the people that show up. I'm the only one that has a sponsor and is working steps. It's very cut and dry in "How it Works" ... If you want what we have to offer; and are willing to make an effort to get it, then you are ready to take certain steps. These are the principles that made our recovery possible.
I really want the other members to get involved. Get a sponsor and call him/her. Work steps, and to carry more recovery with their lives.
I do not think I am better than anyone else by any means. I just am having a hard time understanding why the other people from where I'm from just don't get it...
I need some suggestions. What can I do or say in order to help some of these other members that show up to the meeting. Most of the people are newcomers. I've had people from various groups and other towns come down and carry the message.. I just don't know what to do anymore. It's like they don't get it... I am having a very hard time accepting people for where they are in their own personal recovery. I just expect at least 1 other person to be working steps with a sponsor so I can actually get into the solution at some of our meetings.
It's hard to get in the solution when everyone there is either a newcomer or they have no sponsor.
You can't make anyone do anything. We are powerless over people too.
You could turn one or both meetings into step study meetings. You could read out of the Basic Text or It Works: How and Why.
That way at least people would have some contact with the steps in meetings.
In a way, this problem will take care of itself. Newcomers who don't get with the program and work the steps will eventually relapse and leave.
I would encourage you to examine your motives.
Why is it so important to you that others work their program the way you think they should?
To answer your question, the best thing you can do IMHO is to be a shining example of the power of recovery.
Ours is a program of attraction not promotion.
If they can see that you have something they want, they may want it badly enough to 'do what you do'
Good luck and keep coming back.
Welcome to MIPs. As has been said NA is a program of attraction not promotion. Thank-you for doing the foot work starting new meetings. Remember the results are not in your hands but rather HP in HP's time.
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Work the Steps or Die MF. (My Friend :) Clean One Day At a Time by The Grace of God through The Power of NA
Our literature tells us"WE cannot change the nature of the addict or addiction.WE can help change the old lie"Once an addict always an addict" by striving to make recovery more available.(I'll let you find that as my grandsponsor used to say a "treasure Hunt for you)God,help us to remember the difference.I applaud your helping set up new places for addicts to meet,but WE remember we can only carry the message not the addict....Hope to hear more from you,,,,,blessings of this day!!
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
