Written by, Andi A.

The Twelfth Step tells us, having had a spiritual awakening as the result of the Steps, we tried to carry this message to other addicts and to practice these principles in all our affairs. I learned very early on in MA that service would help to keep me sober. It kept me going to meetings when the rigors of every day in MA that service would help to keep me sober. It kept me going to meetings when the rigors of every day life seemed more important. It brought me out of the woodwork and make me feel a part of the group. This past Memorial Day Weekend when I had the privilege to serve as a delegate for our district to the Fourth Annual MA World Conference in Pasadena, service allowed me to see the large foundation upon which my own program of recovery is based. The Conference brought together delegates from all over California and Washington for three days of hard work, much needed MA meetings and a sprinkling of fun. 

I was amazed at the working structure that already existed for getting these things done. We met in committees for the first day and a half, sharing ideas and preparing materials and motions to bring to the larger group for the second day and a half. Some of the many accomplishments of this Conference included an H&I manual, an expanded new starting pack, and MA business letter to aid intra-district communication and plans for an MA service manual to be written over this coming year by a committee of delegates. Old friendships were renewed, new friendships were made and all of us had the opportunity to participate in our own sobriety and in sobriety of those who have not yet, but hopefully will, reach the door of MA. When they do, we will definitely be these for them. Thank you for letting me be of service, it was truly a gift.

Published in A New Leaf – June 1991