Everything that occurs in the course of NA service must be motivated by the desire to more successfully carry the message of recovery to the addict who still suffers.

Basic Text, p. xvi

My first memory of the Conference Agenda Report dates back to 1987. I think I had heard it mentioned before, but it was at that time that I remember actually looking at it and wondering what it had to do with NA and my recovery. After seeing the actual document, I was overwhelmed, a bit confused, and amazed that we had enough business to warrant an agenda that included so many motions! I have to admit, my understanding of the CAR and the World Service Conference was very fuzzy, but as time went by, I became more familiar with our service structure and the unique way in which we take care of the business of NA. I had never been part of an organization that was so fully focused on the essence of its mission and so thoroughly included its membership in its processes and decisions. As I came to understand NA service and the principles of our program, I learned that, as an individual NA member, I am as much a part of the WSC as the regional delegates who participate in the conference. In all that we do, and especially through service, it’s all about carrying the message.

De J, Editor

Our readers write

Hearing the message of recovery

I am writing in response to an article in the “Opinion” section of the January 2006 NA Way Magazine about being a hearing-impaired NA member. I am also hearing-impaired and I want the writer to know I share his pain. I have a cochlear implant and have experienced the same struggles in my recovery. It’s hard to get help in meetings, and sometimes when I do ask someone to help, I feel like I’m interfering with their recovery. I’ve even had people tell me to “turn it up.” Sometimes they say it as a joke, but they don’t realize how painful that feels. The comments and the sick jokes are hard to get used to, and I should not have to put up with that in meetings. Sometimes I feel like an outcast, like I’m in the wrong place.

I love NA, and I know this program works—even for a deaf guy like me. Sometimes, I feel like just staying home and reading my Basic Text, but I won’t let this become an excuse for me to use. I go to meetings to carry the message of hope to the addict who still suffers, and there may be others with the same problems who can identify with the message I carry.

I just keep coming back, no matter what. I am hearing-impaired, but I can still speak clearly, and I do have a story to tell. NA has taught me that the therapeutic value of one addict helping another is without parallel, so I must be in the right place—and so are you.

Irving L, Illinois, USA

Thanks for donation portal I love having the donation portal [at www.na.org] available. It allows me to directly contribute to and support the work NAWS does for everyone throughout the fellowship. I don’t think of it as a substitute for ordinary fund flow. Instead, it is an option I am free to exercise in addition to contributing at meetings. I am aware of the broad scope of services our special workers provide. I know they work diligently to serve individuals, groups, areas, regions, and zones, and to support project workgroups. I am also always impressed with the extent of our fellowship development commitment. In effect, I know how much service the office does for the fellowship and I appreciate the option of donating directly to NAWS this way. Making a personal donation to NAWS is just one way for me to express my gratitude for the honor of recovering in and serving the fellowship. The donation portal is a nice convenience. Thanks, guys, for setting it up. Anonymous

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