Hey, what’s this basket for?

Written by, Loren N.

The monies collected during our Seventh Tradition ultimately goes to carrying the message of Marijuana Anonymous, not only locally, but worldwide. When this is hampered, the addict is the one who suffers or dies.

Most of us figured that the basket money went to rent, literature, coffee, and cookies. Whatever was left over would go to the district or World Services to pay their expenses, etc. Well folks, the “etc.” is carrying the message, and the message needs our combined support.

Let’s face it, the dollar cost of recovery is active addiction in MA is CHEAP! Under four hundred bucks a year if you go to a meeting every day and put a dollar is the basket. That wouldn’t buy you four sessions with a shrink. That wouldn’t have kept you loaded for a (check one) __ day, __ week, __ month. Think about how much you used to spend on insanity.

So please remember that our donations go far beyond just paying the rent. They save lives! So when the basket comes around and you’re clean, go ahead and double up or do whatever you can. And of course, if you’re clean and sober, you should just naturally pop the two bucks in the basket – one for each. 

Published in A New Leaf – June 1991

  • My Recovery!

    By Ernest W. I smoked cannabis (marijuana) for 20 years. I went into a partial hospitalization program, attended a few hours a day of a 12-step structured program with other support classes, and received education about addiction, and confessed my problem. I got a referral to Marijuana Anonymous. I had thought smoking several times a…

    My Recovery!
  • A Third Step Prayer

    By Anonymous Source, I devote myself to all that is, and offer my lifeforce essence in heartfelt desire to the betterment of myself and those around me in solidarity and oneness—for I am my siblings, and we are all one people. Allow my hardships, successes, and my life on your terms, to be a testament…

    A Third Step Prayer
  • Becoming a Sponsor

    By, Ras M. I have really come to embrace being a Sponsor. It was only a year and a half ago that the idea gave me the heebeegeebees. I’d already had a few not so great experiences with newcomers who would reach out in inappropriate ways. It’s been a journey of fortifying my own boundaries,…

    Becoming a Sponsor
  • A Prayer On My 30th Day Sober

    By, Fran B. Great Spirit, make my eyes clearer each dayRight my visionHeal my broken heartHelp me to know that tears won’t kill me, but smoke and alcohol willHelp me to learn to love myselfHelp me find hope and a new way of lifeGive me a purpose—a reason to go on that runs deeperA through…

    A Prayer On My 30th Day Sober
  • Hiding Behind My Mask

    By, Cassie C. Why me?Why am I the one, who has to hide their true self behind this mask?To be accepted?This world is socruel, so cold, sonarrowminded.I know I have a past.They tell me not to hide my true self.So why am I being forced to hide behind this mask?To be accepted.To be wanted.To be…

    Hiding Behind My Mask
  • Healing My Inner Child Through Self Love

    By, Fiona M. As I have come into Steps 10 and 11, with a solid daily meditation practice and my Step 3 prayer, and my Step 5 and 7 prayer (which changes every day), I think that I have found the root of my problem. The thing which I suffered from the most in active…

    Healing My Inner Child Through Self Love