New England Region of Narcotics Anonymous Basic Website

Hello everybody, Got to Baltimore from the Northern New England at 2:30pm after an 8 hour drive. I am here with the RSC Chairperson (Justin). Both of our Regional Delegates (RDs) are in the hospital right now and could not attend. These are raw notes and are not meant to be complete or comprehensive in any way. A quick look around the room showed a good mix of RDs, RCMs and a few GSRs. Rough estimate tonight was maybe 75-100 people. I did not count. Tomorrow I will give you an idea where people traveled from.

Present from the World Board and NA World Services (NAWS) are: Ron B (WB) from Australia, Piet (WB) from Sweden, Tonia (WB) from Greece, Craig (former WB, now Service System Workgroup), from Philadelphia, Jane N (NAWS) Public Relations, from California, Irene (NAWS) from Califirnia

After checking in an registering we had a session from 6-8 pm called Service System Background/Introduction & Creating a Common Vision.
This was a large and small group session facilitated by Ron and Tonia. We watched the (flash) video on NA Growth
The session began with the statement that the WB is open to ideas and that they haven't drilled down to the nuts and bolts of the proposals.

Desired Outcomes of this Workshop

* To help everyone understand the proposals
* Help get us ready to have facilitated discussions at home
* Receive input and feedback to help shape the future of the work
* This is the first step in the process

Write to the BOD with input and ideas; (I think) the email is wb@na.org

Some of the issues identified are:

* Ineffective communication
* Inefficient resources
* Frustrated trusted servants
* Poor atmosphere of recovery at service meetings
* Current service system works for some and not for others

Background:

* Project adopted at World Service Conference (WSC) 2008
* Reaffirmed at WSC 2010
* Hope is to improve all services throughout our system

Process driven structure

* Planning effectively and efficiently carrying the message

Decision Making

* Reflecting the will of a loving Higher Power

Communication

* Sharing information

Tonia led us in large group exercise (groan). First, a little background on the "A Vision for NA Service":

* Creating a common vision for our fellowship
* Based on the World Services Vision Statement (in use for about 10 years)
* Unanimously approved at WSC 2010

We looked at the first section of the Vision Statement: Every addict in the world has the chance to experience our message in his or her own language and culture and find the opportunity for a new way of life
We asked ourselves the question: A service system that could support this idea is:

* Diverse
* Malleable
* Inclusive
* Adaptable
* Spiritual
* Services provided at the local level
* Doing more with less
* Regional global
* Simple
* Multilingual
* Have effective communication

We did the same thing with the second through 4th sections of the Vision Statement

Second part: Every member inspired by the gift of recovery, experiences spiritual growth and fulfillment through service
Again, we asked ourselves the question: A service system that could support this idea is:

* Commitment
* Kindness
* Good attitude
* Mentorship
* Dedication
* Challenging
* Nurturing
* Loving and caring

Third Part: NA Service bodies worldwide work together in a spirit of unity and cooperation to support the groups in carrying our message of recovery
Once again, we asked ourselves the question: A service system that could support this idea is:

* Cooperative
* Concise
* Has repetition

Fourth part: Narcotics Anonymous has universal recognition and respect as a viable program of recovery

* Principled
* Reliable
* Transparent
* Trustworthy
* Consistent
* Accountable

Ron then led us in a small group 12 Concepts exercise.
The steps are for us. The traditions are for the groups and the concepts are for service. Each table was given 2 different concepts (our table was concepts 2 & 7), and were asked to brainstorm and answer the following: In order to be in consistent with Concept _____________ (fill in the blank), a service system must be___________________. Each table discussed their 2 concepts and tried to answer the abve question.
I did not write all of it down, but there were huge sheets of paper all of the walls filled the suggestions. Each table read a loud there 3 most important points to the above question pertaining to their 2 concepts they were working with.

We were given a handout What a Healthy Service System Looks Like http://www.na.org/admin/include/spaw2/uploads/pdf/servsys/Service_System...

Rough Schedule:

* Summer Fall 2010 - First discussion and workshops
* 12/31/10 - Deadline for input on this first stage of the proposals
* Early 2011 - Revise and re-release proposals
* Late 2011 - Prepare for WSC

The WB decided to step back in implementation and transition. Not sure what this means (will clarify), but I think it means that there will not necessarily be a motion in the 2012 Conference Agenda Report as previously stated. and that it might be until 2014 or later until implementation. (I might have this wrong). The timeline is not quite defined.

My questions for tomorrow: How will this thing be passed? Will it be by RD vote at the WSC or a group by registered group similar to what would be required if we decided to change the steps or traditions?

Well that is it for tonight. I hope that my excessive use of bullet points can be overlooked. If anyone has any questions, let me know and maybe I can get it asked or find an answer.

More tomorrow,
Thanks a bunch,
Chris R