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Some of you—in fact, we hope most of you—may know that we are now in what NA World Services calls conference season. The World Service Conference will be held 23–29 April 2006, and in preparation, members around the world are reading and talking about the Conference Agenda Report. Once upon a time, we wouldn’t be making much, if any, mention of the CAR here in The NA Way Magazine. In the past, the gap between the content of The NA Way and the content of the Conference Agenda Report could be pretty wide.

This article is a testimony, then, to our efforts to make the Conference Agenda Report—and the work of the conference overall—more relevant to the fellowship as a whole. This year’s CAR is focused on the issue discussion topics and projects. There are only a few motions in this year’s CAR, but there are discussion questions for each topic and for some potential projects. Among the things we have determined to be important to work on in the years ahead are targeted literature and basic tools for groups, areas, and regions. We invite you to read about the topics and projects in the report (which can be downloaded from www.na.org/conference), and to consider these questions in your groups and service bodies.

• Who, from your local community, is missing from your group, and why do you think they might be missing? (For example, if you live in a racially diverse community, do the people attending your meeting reflect that diversity?)

• What are some things that you can do as an individual to create and maintain the atmosphere of recovery in your home group? (For example, greet someone you don’t recognize; make a commitment to listen while each person is sharing and not participate in side conversations; etc.)

• What are some of the things the group can do? (For example, change the room setup so it’s more conducive to an atmosphere of recovery; acknowledge newcomers in some way—with phone lists or introductions; etc.)

• How can we instill a sense of personal responsibility, ownership, and stewardship for the roles we take on?

• What do we mean when we refer to “leadership” in NA? What is the difference between “leaders” and “leadership”?

• How do I take responsibility for NA’s image/reputation? How do service bodies do so? How can a sense of personal responsibility and ownership develop in me, and how can I help others develop this?

• What about our image/reputation makes some people believe NA is not appropriate for them? What about our image makes some people believe NA is not where they would refer a client?

Does the list below reflect our top needs for targeted literature? What can you think of that should be on this list that is not?

Priority (not necessarily in order)

• youth and recovery

• medication and recovery

Second ranking (not necessarily in order)

• the benefit of service to personal recovery

• the spiritual development of members with longer cleantime, and how to continue to engage them in the fellowship of Narcotics Anonymous

Third ranking (not necessarily in order)

• older members and recovery

• issues regarding gender

Amidst the great success of WCNA-31, we did witness some unfortunate encounters with our members. If this was a one-time experience, it would not be noteworthy; however, we are seeing a pattern developing. Some NA members seem to harbor an inexplicable attitude of entitlement that causes them to behave in ways that do not reflect positively on our fellowship.

At WCNA-31, there were two physical altercations in which NA members actually pushed convention center staff and each other because they didn’t have the patience to wait in line to enter a meeting or event. We also observed NA members handling hotel billing or service disputes by shouting and using obscene language at the hotel front desk—with everyone in the lobby observing this behavior. Because of these encounters, the impression many people in Hawaii have of NA is that our members are inappropriate, rude, and physically aggressive.

First impressions are the most long-lasting for many people, and the most difficult to dispel. Whether we are attending an NA convention, conducting an H&I panel, or just gathering after a meeting, we need to consider that we only have one chance to make a bad impression—and everything we do contributes to the perception others have of Narcotics Anonymous.

Which image do you think most people will remember: the image of the governor presenting NA with a proclamation or the image of the loud, cursing member at the front desk of the hotel? Which would you remember the most?