If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
What if it is broken?
How do you tell if it's broken if you only look at the times it works?
As anyone who cares to read this blog knows, I want AA to change. Every time I bring up the subject, AA members tell me that AA ain't broke. But I think AA is broke — take that either way — every time a newcomer comes to a meeting and reaches out for help, and the newcomer does not find a way to stay sober in AA. Success can only be measured against failures, but AAs are unwilling to look at the people that are not helped by the Big Book, Higher Powers, and talk of spirituality. AA must expand and diversify its message.
A call recently went out from the General Service Office for groups in the United States to update their group information to show increases in members. The worry is that AA has not been gaining US members during the last few years, even though there are many unserved alcoholics. My worry is that the old-timey AA message has saturated its market. It has been accepted by everyone that can tolerate the Big Book and the 12 Step Goosesteppers.
My hope is that other alcoholics could be helped if we would tone down our high-toned skree. Help the alcoholic where they are at. When you push the Big Book and Steps, you virtually tell the drunk that AA won't help them unless they comply. And for that, you are responsible.
How do you tell if it's broken if you only look at the times it works?
As anyone who cares to read this blog knows, I want AA to change. Every time I bring up the subject, AA members tell me that AA ain't broke. But I think AA is broke — take that either way — every time a newcomer comes to a meeting and reaches out for help, and the newcomer does not find a way to stay sober in AA. Success can only be measured against failures, but AAs are unwilling to look at the people that are not helped by the Big Book, Higher Powers, and talk of spirituality. AA must expand and diversify its message.
A call recently went out from the General Service Office for groups in the United States to update their group information to show increases in members. The worry is that AA has not been gaining US members during the last few years, even though there are many unserved alcoholics. My worry is that the old-timey AA message has saturated its market. It has been accepted by everyone that can tolerate the Big Book and the 12 Step Goosesteppers.
My hope is that other alcoholics could be helped if we would tone down our high-toned skree. Help the alcoholic where they are at. When you push the Big Book and Steps, you virtually tell the drunk that AA won't help them unless they comply. And for that, you are responsible.
posted by Troy Spears at 10:46 AM
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