Page 15 - AA NEWS MAY 2019

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It is also true that the same “reaching out” is the key to the survival of our Fellowship. Our Fifth Tradition states that it is the primary purpose for the existence of each A.A. group.
Where is one to find those suffering drunks? We are told that in the early days A.A. members would drag individuals off bar stools to get them sober. I don’t know about you, but if I were sitting on a bar stool with a drink in front of me, secure in the knowledge that there would be another one coming soon...that isn’t suffering. Catch me a few hours later in the drunk tank, having been arrested for my third D.U.I., and the story would be different. In more recent times we have become a bit more passive in our approach to recruitment - still vigorous in carrying the message, but not as aggressive in our attempt to bring them into the fold.
The Responsibility Declaration states, “I am responsible. When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there. And for that: I am responsible.” Yes, deciding when one is an alcoholic is left up to the individual. Our job is to be there when
that decision is made, and the individual looks for help. That purpose can be fulfilled in a variety of ways – making a twelfth step call, participating on an H&I panel, answering phones at Central Office, even just attending a meeting and reaching out to the newcomer who timidly enters.
True Story: This piece was written while sitting at a table in the University City Library. As I exited the building, I stopped to look at the bulletin board which contained information on community events. Neither the T-Ball signups nor the basket weaving classes interested me, so I glanced down at the table below the board. There I spied a display of A.A. pamphlets. Immediately I came to the realization that our collective hand can be there, even if our arm is not physically attached! Thank God for the Intergroup’s Public Information volunteer who regularly maintains that display of our literature. Hopefully that still suffering alcoholic will pick up a pamphlet, find us, and eventually take our hand in person! Amen.
Blaine H.
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