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IN THIS ISSUE

OCTOBER 2002

VOLUME NINETEEN

NUMBER FOUR

“We have found that the way to remain a productive, responsible member of society is to

put our recovery first. NA can survive without us, but we cannot survive without NA.”

Narcotics Anonymous (Basic Text), pg. 102

Practicing principles

How we live the program

Many NA slogans refer to the concept of “living the program.” Those slogans

are as numerous, varied, and colorful as our membership. In meetings around

the world, at any given moment, we might hear, “I try to practice these principles

in all my affairs to the best of my ability,” or “Just for today, I’m living in the

solution,” or “I know I have to work my life around my program and not my

program around my life.”

Learning to live the program of Narcotics Anonymous is as much a part of the

foundation for our recovery as not picking up drugs a day at a time. But what

does living the program really mean?

The stories in this issue are testaments to the power of this simple program.

Over and over again, with each member’s experience, we see that living the pro-

gram is more than just a chapter in our Basic Text or the title of a pamphlet.

Living the program is about courage, and faith, and willingness to go the dis-

tance no matter what. Living the program is about being faced with life’s most

incomprehensible horrors and not giving up. Living the program allows us to

actively participate in life and all that it brings.

NA offers us a choice of how we want to pursue our newfound life. Staying

clean and working the steps gives us the freedom to make that choice. We have

all been given a second chance to live a life that can transcend any dream we’ve

ever had. It is up to us whether we want to take that chance and live.

“Just for today I will be unafraid, my thoughts will be on my new associa-

tions, people who are not using and have found a new way of life. So long as I

follow that way, I have nothing to fear.”

Practicing principles 1

Our readers write… 2

Living the program 3

NA: A daily program 5

What program do you work? 6

NA equals life! 7

Staying clean no matter what 8

A program of humility 9

On the right path 9

Picture this 10

Being ‘a part of’ 11

On being of service 12

Finding a home 12

NA has been very good to me… 13

Why are we here? 14

H&I Slim 15

50th Anniversary/WCNA-30 16

San Diego 18

HRP 19

Calendar 20

WSO product update 23

Home Group 24

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The NA Way Magazine welcomes the participation of its readers.

You are invited to share with the NA Fellowship in our quarterly

international journal. Send us your experience in recovery, your

views on NA matters, and feature items. All manuscripts submit-

ted become the property of Narcotics Anonymous World Ser-

vices, Inc. Subscription, editorial, and business services: PO Box

9999, Van Nuys, CA 91409-9099.

The NA Way Magazine presents the experiences and opin-

ions of individual members of Narcotics Anonymous. The

opinions expressed are not to be attributed to Narcotics

Anonymous as a whole, nor does publication of any article

imply endorsement by Narcotics Anonymous, The NA Way

Magazine, or Narcotics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

The NA Way Magazine (ISSN 10465-5421), The NA Way, and

Narcotics Anonymous are registered trademarks of Narcotics

Anonymous World Services, Inc. The NA Way Magazine is pub-

lished quarterly by Narcotics Anonymous World Services, Inc.,

19737 Nordhoff Place, Chatsworth, CA 91311. Periodical post-

age is paid at Chatsworth, CA, and at additional entry points.

POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to The NA Way

Magazine, PO Box 9999, Van Nuys, CA 91409-9099.

THE

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS

EDITOR

Nancy Schenck

COPY EDITORS

David Fulk

Lee Manchester

TYPOGRAPHY AND DESIGN

David Mizrahi

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Fatia Birault

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Susan C, Dana H, Marc S, Sheryl L

World Service Office

PO Box 9999

Van Nuys, CA 91409 USA

Telephone: (818) 773-9999

Fax: (818) 700-0700

Website: www.na.org

The NA Way Magazine welcomes letters from all readers. Letters to the editor can

respond to any article that has appeared in The NA Way, or can simply be a viewpoint

about an issue of concern in the NA Fellowship. Letters should be no more than 250

words, and we reserve the right to edit. All letters must include a signature, valid

address, and phone number. First name and last initial will be used as the signature

line unless the writer requests anonymity.

The NA Way Magazine, published in English, French, German, Portuguese, and

Spanish, belongs to the members of Narcotics Anonymous. Its mission, therefore, is to

provide each member with recovery and service information, as well as recovery-related

entertainment, which speaks to current issues and events relevant to each of our members

worldwide. In keeping with this mission, the editorial staff is dedicated to providing a

magazine which is open to articles and features written by members from around the world,

as well as providing current service and convention information. Foremost, the journal is

dedicated to the celebration of our message of recovery—“that an addict, any addict, can

stop using drugs, lose the desire to use, and find a new way to live.”

Ed. note: On the opening page of the July 2002 issue (Vol. 19, No. 3), “Anonymity,”

I noted that we currently have 125,000 subscribers to The NA Way. We did mail 125,000

copies in 2001; however, that was for the whole year. So, we actually have approxi-

mately 29,500 subscribers since the magazine is published quarterly. Please excuse

my enthusiasm!

Our readers write…

Regarding the article entitled “How to Share”

(The NA Way Magazine, April 2002, Vol. 19, No. 2)

Dear NA Way,

I don’t know how to express what I feel other than to say that I’m outraged! I truly

fear for the newcomer or anyone else who shows up with a problem that doesn’t

relate to the topic of discussion at the Friday Night Roaming Home Group in Mary-

land, not to mention the addict who comes late and who really needs to share. I’ve

been around for several years and I’ve never heard such self-centeredness. I’ll try to

cover their ideas in order.

For starters, I don’t believe there is a “correct” way to share, as long as I’m sharing

honestly.

o I do agree that people should be aware of each other’s desire to share and try not

to monopolize the time available.

o Sometimes—in fact, most of the time—when I come to the rooms with a prob-

lem, it is because I don’t know the solution and I’m seeking the experience,

strength, and hope of those who may have had a similar experience.

o There are times, especially when I’m hurting emotionally, when I just don’t feel

very spiritual and, for whatever reasons, I’m incapable of being the spiritual per-

son I ought to be.

o I’ve had the opportunity to travel, and in many meetings around the world there

are no discussion leaders to call on people. Everyone simply jumps in and takes

turns. It is not my place to say when someone does or does not have a need or

desire to share.

o It is truly okay to speak briefly.

o An NA meeting is a garbage dump if that’s what I’m full of at that time. I come to

meetings with what’s inside of me. Sometimes it’s experience, strength, and hope;

other times it’s pain, agony, and misery. It depends on how well I’ve been apply-

ing the program to every aspect of my life, which varies from day to day.

Continued on page 10

Living the program

Reflections on 20 years in NA

I got clean in Narcotics Anonymous in East Central Wisconsin on 8 July 1982. When

I came to NA I was 21 years old, and I feared going to prison. My lawyer told me that if

I wanted to have a chance at staying out of prison, I would have to stop using all

drugs, including marijuana. He said I needed to go into a treatment program, provide

urine drug screens, and attend NA meetings.

I came to NA to get out of trouble. I didn’t realize how much NA would change my life.

My first NA meeting

While in treatment, I went to my first NA meeting. There were three or four NA

members besides the four of us from treatment. When I heard “our whole life and

thinking was centered in drugs in one form or another—the getting and using and

finding ways and means to get more,” it described my life in a nutshell. I had never

heard such a statement before. I identified from the beginning. Over the next several

days, I memorized that sentence. It was the first real mental or intellectual exercise I

had done in a very long time.

When I came into NA I really didn’t have a lot. I owned a bicycle and a stereo. I

didn’t lose material possessions, financial resources, a home, and/or a marriage and

kids because I hadn’t yet accumulated them.

I was young. I didn’t have health problems, I guess mostly due to the fact that I

used daily for only about five years. By many measures, this is not a long time. It was

difficult for me to understand the unmanageability addiction caused in my life. This

was especially true when I compared my story to others who had lost so much. Power-

lessness was a little easier for me to understand since I never stopped using for long

on my own. Before I hit bottom, I never made any serious attempts to stop using

everything and become completely abstinent. I would substitute one drug for an-

other. I genuinely liked and enjoyed using drugs.

Hugs, not drugs

At 60 days clean, the world convention (WCNA-12) was taking place in Milwaukee.

There were about 500 NA members who attended that convention. An interesting

thing happened at WCNA-12. People started hugging one another. Some might think

that hugs were always a part of the NA Fellowship, but it wasn’t universal across the

country.

Many members were clearly uncomfortable or chose not to hug others, especially

men hugging other men. However, at WCNA, the love of the fellowship took over. Our

text states this another way: “Recovery becomes a contact process; we lose the fear

of touching and of being touched. We learn that a simple, loving hug can make all the

difference in the world when we feel alone. We experience real love and real friendship.”

(Narcotics Anonymous, p. 88). “Hugs, Not Drugs” was one of the best T-shirts I ever had.

Another important thing happened

for me at WCNA-12. I met my best friend,

who shared a story from his past that

matched with parts of my story. I didn’t

know anyone who had experienced what

had happened in my addiction. This

helped me to identify even more. We

have been friends for a long time, and

my friend now has 22 years clean!

The Basic Text

I remember hearing some members

in the early 1980s begin to talk openly

about how the disease of addiction in-

cluded all mind- and mood-altering sub-

stances. This was further supported by

the Basic Text Approval Form (an unpub-

lished literary work). We photocopied

and distributed that booklet to the mem-

bers in our NA communities. We couldn’t

wait for approval from the World Service

Conference to get the text printed.

I mailed $25 to Jimmy K’s garage,

which at the time was operating as the

World Service Office, to purchase a spe-

cial, numbered First Edition. I still have

that special, red-covered edition—First

Edition No. 1457—and the postcard

that Jimmy K mailed back as receipt of

payment.

NA only

About this time many of us in the

Midwest and across the country made a

commitment to recovery in Narcotics

Anonymous. It sounds funny now, but I

can remember when people in NA and

AA thought that if we went to NA only,

we would end up drunk!

Our Basic Text doesn’t state anything

about going exclusively to NA, but dur-

ing those early years, many of us came

to believe that if we attended NA regu-

larly and actively participated in our NA

recovery, we would and could stay clean

over time from all drugs, including alco-

hol. And there it was in print: “Our iden-

tification as addicts is all-inclusive with

respect to any mood-changing, mind-

altering substance. Alcoholism is too

limited a term for us; our problem is not

a specific substance, it is a disease called

addiction” (Narcotics Anonymous, p. xv).

During this time some members, in-

cluding myself, became NA “purists.” We

talked about our identification as ad-

dicts, we introduced ourselves as ad-

dicts, and we said and did a lot of things

to promote NA. While our intentions

were in the right place, these beliefs and

practices were sometimes counterpro-

ductive, especially when exercised with-

out compassion, common sense, or

maturity. Today I don’t criticize members

who attend other twelve-step fellow-

ships. I keep the focus on me. NA is my

home.

Relapse:

A continued threat

Relapse is one of the things that scare

me the most. My best friend relapsed just

before he had four years clean. He taught

me about Step One and how it was not a

particular substance(s) that was our prob-

lem, but the disease of addiction.

Two years ago another member re-

lapsed with over 20 years clean. Three

weeks ago a woman I know shared that

she had relapsed after 14 years. I won-

der when will it happen to me? I hope

and pray that I will continue to stay

clean, just for today.

I believe the primary reason I have

stayed clean is because I continue to

attend meetings on a regular basis. In

meetings I get to witness the miracle of

recovery. I am reminded to work the

steps, and I hear what can happen if I

pick up and use again.

However, I know it is more than just

meetings that keep me clean, so I try to

the best of my ability to practice the

principles of NA on a day-to-day basis.

When I had about 14 years clean, my

recovery was at serious risk. I had a lot

of NA friends, had a strong, personal

relationship with my Higher Power, was

active in service in one form or another,

and had a tremendous amount of suc-

cess in all areas of my life.

I had always put my recovery before

anything else. But at this time, I started

to shift my priorities. I put my career,

money, and material possessions before

my recovery.

We built a new home in a new area. I

attended fewer meetings. The people at

the new meetings were different, and I

was not accustomed to how they ran

their meetings. My meeting attendance

dropped to one meeting a week, and

sometimes I would go two or three weeks

between meetings. I wasn’t praying as

much. I even said to myself that it was

okay since I had been clean for a while.

After two years, I started having prob-

lems. I lost three jobs in three years. My

wife was not sure she wanted to con-

tinue living with me, and my relationship

with my Higher Power wasn’t strong.

I didn’t have any overpowering de-

sires to use during this time, and some-

how I maintained my clean time. After

hitting a spiritual and emotional bottom,

I was at the point where I could not save

my face and my ass at the same time, as

the Basic Text says.

I tried to actively participate in my

recovery again. It was difficult. I got a new

sponsor after going without one for

some time. He saved my recovery and

my life. He told me to do “ninety in

ninety.” He told me to find a meeting that

needed someone to set up, and I did.

He told me to find a meeting that needed

a chairperson, and I did. Slowly, I began

to get some satisfying recovery into my

life. It took over a year before I felt spiri-

tually connected to the fellowship and

my Higher Power again.

I believe the only thing that saved me

from a relapse and all the

unmanageability that results is that I

never entirely ceased attending meet-

ings. I resented being an addict who

needed to go to meetings—but I went

anyway.

Today I am glad to have recommitted

to my recovery by attending meetings,

working the steps, daily prayer and medi-

tation, sponsorship, and service.

The gifts of recovery

My recovery once again is the first

priority in my life. The gifts of my con-

tinued recovery in Narcotics Anonymous

are many. I have a strong and ongoing

relationship with my Higher Power. I have

self-esteem and some humility. I have a

great home group that’s just minutes

from my home.

My wife and I have been married now

for 13 years. We have a deep commit-

ment to each other, and we have devel-

oped a level of intimacy unmatched from

my prior experiences. I’m not saying our

marriage is always cheerful and rosy—

sometimes it is not. But we continue to

move forward together with trust and

respect for one another. We have two

great kids, and I wouldn’t trade being a

parent for anything.

My current job is not that big job I

thought I should have; rather, it is the

one my Higher Power has guided me to,

and I am grateful for it.

I am active in my local NA commu-

nity and my community outside NA. I

have a service position with my home

group. I participate with the area PI sub-

committee, and I do volunteer work.

I have respect and esteem not only

in our fellowship but also at work and in

my neighborhood. All of these are con-

tinued gifts of active participation in my

personal NA recovery.

In closing, I would like to say thank

you to all those members who have

helped me in my recovery. Many people

have helped me not only in achieving 20

years clean but also in achieving free-

dom from the degradation of active ad-

diction. The members of NA—newcom-

ers and oldtimers alike—inspire me to

stay clean.

Just for today, I am glad to be an ad-

dict. I love what recovery provides for

me. It is more that just staying clean—it

is a way of life!

Bill L, Ohio

NA:

A daily program

Hi, I’m Rosalinda, and I’m an addict.

My daughter—my only child—was eight years old when I first came into these

rooms. She was dragged along to all the NA events and wreaked havoc along with the

other NA kids. She had been my constant companion since I was 18 years old. We

were together through my using and recovery, through my bouts with depression and

my attempts at geographical changes.

She was my anchor, as I was hers. The first time I went to my RSC meeting (1,000

miles away) as an area representative, I forgot my report. I was in a panic, but she

calmly dictated it to me over the phone.

We could tell each other anything. Milly was my best friend and my entire family.

Four years ago she died. She committed suicide. My world, my sense of self, and

my faith were all turned upside down, inside out, and completely scrambled. I felt

such powerlessness and crippling devastation. I am sobbing helplessly right now as I

write about this.

I pray that no one who reads this will ever have to experience the agony of losing a

child. I’ve been attending a support group for bereaved parents for nearly four years.

Many members of this group become workaholics, or compulsive gamblers, or turn to

other forms of addiction. Most were not addicts before.

Me? Well, I’ve always been prone to depression, and I’ve been suicidal pretty much

from the age of five. In all honesty, it wasn’t drugs that called to me when Milly died; it

was death. So how have I survived?

Feel it—feel it all! Don’t hold back. Breathe—if possible—although it isn’t always

an easy thing to do.

I used to think that my emotions were my enemies. I spent most of my life trying to

crush them. Now I know that my emotions are the greatest allies I have. It sounds

strange that I can say this when living with bereavement, doesn’t it? But my emotions

carry vital information for me. They let me know what works and what doesn’t. They

strip away intellectual frippery and bring me face to face with who I am. Tears even

trigger my body’s self-anesthesia to make sleep possible.

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

I think most folks can survive the first two months after the loss of a child. Shock

alone can carry a person that far. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not that those first two

months aren’t unbearably agonizing, it’s just that it gets worse after the shock starts

to wear off.

I have NA to thank for not being squeamish about joining a support group. It was a

bit shocking at first, with no traditions and no steps, but I needed people who could

understand me. I probably always will.

For me, I hit the wall ten months after Milly died. I wanted to join her, but I post-

poned it—hoping it would go away—while doing all the legal stuff, tending to her

friends, dealing with the coroner’s office,

and putting on her 21st birthday party

as we had planned.

I was working a program daily. I con-

tinued to open our local meeting just as

I had for years. I read our literature, kept

a journal, worked the steps, prayed,

called other members, and compiled

gratitude lists. I even completed and

shared my Fourth Step after her funeral.

Then all my survival strategies failed.

Utterly. I couldn’t concentrate on any-

thing other than death. I had gone be-

yond obsession and was into compulsion.

I even tried to sign myself into a psychiat-

ric hospital, but all they could offer was a

prescription for antidepressants.

I took that prescription to the only

other member within an hour’s drive,

and I asked her what to do. (My sponsor

had a stroke and was not available at that

time.) My friend reminded me that we

take our problems to professionals, and

if I felt the medication made me feel “out

of it,” I could always stop.

My survival was more important. I never

did feel out of it, and I was able to go back

to working a program. I was able to come

off the medication nine months later.

I left my relationship, I lost my step-

children, and I lost some friends, too.

I’ve lost all hope of grandchildren as well.

So what do I do?

I work a daily program. I’m in the pro-

cess of writing another Fourth Step. I

pray for my ex to find inner peace and

happiness. I eat when I can, sleep when

I get too tired, put one foot in front of

the other, and breathe.

I cry a lot, laugh a lot, write a lot, and

talk about Milly a lot. I weep several

times a day, but it’s okay. I can weep for

Milly, laugh with joy, and drive a car—all

at the same time!

My emotions flow unhindered. The

depth of my agony for the loss of my

daughter lets me know how close we

were and how much I truly love her.

Why would I want to block that out

with chemicals? Why would I want to risk

blurring any precious memory that I have

of her? Milly lives on in my heart and in

my memory. I can’t allow her to die again!

Sometimes the people you think will

be supportive fade off into the distance,

while others to whom you never have felt

close before will be there for you. Em-

brace that support from these new friends.

Reach out. Hugs can save your life.

I will never be the person I was four

years ago. I am more than four years

older today, both in body and in spirit,

yet I am more than four years wiser, too.

I am stronger and more emotional and

more determined to live my life and my

dreams and be who I really am, without

excuse or apology.

I think it was Descartes, the rationalist

philosopher, who said, “I think, therefore I

am.” I disagree. I feel, therefore I am!

Today I feel alive through every cell

of my body, through every shred of pain,

joy, anger, and contentment I experience.

I am grateful for the NA program, for my

ex-sponsor, for my current sponsor on

the other side of the world, for my NA

sisters-in-sadness, and for all of my NA

family all around the world. I love you all.

Rosalinda R, Australia

What program

do you work?

There are a couple of things that I

thought about regarding this topic. First,

of course, is the NA program. You know:

the one where you call your sponsor on

a regular basis, work the steps, attend

meetings, and try to practice spiritual

principles in all of your affairs.

I remember the program where hon-

esty, open-mindedness, and willingness

are a way of life instead of just an ideal.

The program where we forgive others and

ourselves and make amends to those we

have harmed, except when to do so

would injure them or others.

I’m thinking about the program where

we reach out to others and attempt to

be totally selfless. The program where

we focus on giving back to others what

was freely given to us; where we love

each other until we have the strength to

love ourselves; where we give our phone

numbers to newcomers and socialize

after the meeting with other NA mem-

bers.

I’m talking about the program where

we are grateful for the freedom from the

bondage of active addiction; the pro-

gram that shows us how to become a

productive member of society; the pro-

gram that teaches us to not judge people

either by what they do or do not have,

or by whom they know or do not know.

It is in this program that we learn that

“clean time does not equal recovery”—

and neither does a bank-account bal-

ance.

You know that program, right? Yeah,

the program that saved my life, and

probably yours, too. The program where

the coffee wasn’t that great, but it was

better than the kind I couldn’t afford.

I remember that program—or, should

I say, I remember working that program

because, just like my Higher Power, that

program has never turned its back on

me. Whenever I have made the decision

to work that program during my six years

clean, I’ve had great personal successes,

moments of serenity, and feelings of

uninhibited happiness along with the

feelings of pain and sorrow.

Today I feel alive through every cell of

my body, through every shred of pain,

joy, anger, and contentment I

experience.

Now, I don’t know where it was that I

heard about this other program, or if I

just invented it, but I did find one that

was different. Today I call this other pro-

gram the “Trevor B Program.” You might

call it something else or recognize it by

a different name, but this is how I am

able to best recognize the “My Way” pro-

gram.

In this program, clean time does mean

something, because clean time is the

only thing I have when I am working the

“My Way” program. It’s the program

where I take your inventory instead of

mine and where material possessions

determine how I feel about others and

myself.

It’s the program where I talk about

newcomers and anyone else who is

working the NA program instead of talk-

ing to them, where what I do depends

on how you treat me, and where I never

have to take responsibility for my own

actions.

Does this sound familiar to you? I

know it does to me. The “My Way” pro-

gram is when I have a sponsor but don’t

call him. I don’t reach out for help, don’t

express my feelings, and don’t admit to

my wrongs.

The “My Way” program is where I take

service positions so that people will like

me—and when they don’t, I resign.

In “My Way,” I act out on my defects

of character instead of looking at them

and turning them over. And when and if

I pray, it is usually because I have done

something about which I am ashamed,

and I want my HP to help me hide it from

others or “get me out of this situation

NA equals life!

Living the program has been a long,

slow learning process for me that started

23 years ago with my decision to ask for

help. When I asked for help, it was to

enter yet another detox. I ended up in a

place that introduced me to the disease

concept of addiction.

They said it was going to take me a

lot longer than a week to get well! My

insanity was clear to everyone but me. I

had nice clothes, had money in the bank,

and I was only 23 years old. I still looked

okay if my arms and scars were hidden.

No one knew that having drugs inside

my body 24 hours a day was the most

important thing in my life.

They said drugs were just a symptom

of my problems. I could identify with feel-

ing ill at ease with living life drug-free.

That’s why I never stayed clean until this

last time. Everyone always told me to

stop using (and get rid of that boyfriend)!

At this last detox I had the support of

other recovering addicts who were do-

ing what I had wanted for years—to be

happy and free to choose. They intro-

duced me to the Twelve Steps that, even

today, never cease to amaze me with

such wisdom and the simplicity of how

to live.

When I got clean in 1979, there wasn’t

much literature—certainly no step work-

ing guide—and not a lot of people on

this side of the world with more clean

time than I had. With my faith in the pro-

gram, and learning to put into practice

principles like patience, faith, and cour-

age, I’ve been able to stay clean a day at

a time since then.

I am convinced that my passion to

carry the message and get a fellowship

helped me to keep at bay the very self-

centered nature of my disease. I learned

early in my recovery that, when I wake

up in the morning, it helps if I gently re-

mind myself that I am an addict, make a

decision to not pick up today, and ask

my God to help me be loving toward oth-

ers and myself. It works.

When I resist doing the things I need

to do, I get into “control mode.” I start

nagging and wanting to change my real-

ity. My day doesn’t go smoothly, and I

lose acceptance of the present. I have

just one more time and I’ll change, I

swear.”

In the “My Way” program, meditation

is the period of time in my day when I

try to figure out exactly what went wrong

with my life. It’s the program that can

make using drugs look like the best

choice and, often, feel like the only

choice. In this program, if I end up do-

ing the steps, my writing is thoughtless,

short, and closed-minded.

If my step study group mentions

something I don’t agree with while I’m

working the “My Way” program, I explode

and quit instead of listening to what they

have to say or looking for what they see

in my behavior. This is the program where

the only meeting I go to is the one where

they are giving me a medallion, where

an act of selflessness is to not tell you

what I think of you, but tell everyone else

because I think you can’t handle the

“truth.”

Today I realize why I choose to act

this way, why I choose to work the “My

Way” program. The answer for me is

self-centered fear. The only way I have found

any real freedom from this defect has

been through working the Twelve Steps

of Narcotics Anonymous and following

the suggestions other recovering addicts

have given me.

Over the last couple of years I have

been caught in the “My Way” program,

and it took devastating events to bring

me back to the “NA Way” program.

The message I want to share is one

we have all heard before—and now I re-

ally believe it. That message is: “It works

if you work it!”

Trevor B, Canada

My wayMy way

My way

no doubt that if I keep following such a

tangent, I will feel more and more miser-

able and eventually have to use again.

I still struggle to find and maintain the

balance I must have to take care of my

daily needs. Caring for myself means

doing such things as eating well, exer-

cising to keep my immune system

healthy and to help with my self-accep-

tance, and doing a little service. Then

there is the rest of my life and responsi-

bilities to indulge in—which I do with

relish.

I still fear my disease, so I stay im-

mersed in the fellowship. I knew after

completing my first Fifth Step and see-

ing myself properly for the first time in

years that I never needed to use again,

as long as I did the suggested basics.

I continue to write and share my

steps. Each time I work through the steps

I gain a deeper understanding of myself

that takes me to a new place of con-

sciousness and self-honesty.

I have a home group in which I stay

involved and accountable. I am missed

and challenged if I don’t attend, because

my home group members care about me.

This doesn’t mean I don’t have a life

outside of NA—I actually have a fulfill-

ing one.

NA keeps me focused on what I need,

the important things in life—otherwise

I get caught up in things that really don’t

matter, like wanting yet another pair of

shoes!

Committing to service has been a life-

saver more than once. I have never used

it as a substitute for personal recovery,

but as more of a support structure and

a way of staying involved. Having group-

level commitments has steered me to at

least a weekly meeting where, more of-

ten than not, I hear just what I need to

hear.

Service has also been a catalyst in my

learning about the traditions and con-

cepts. My practice of these has given me

even more freedom. I have come to re-

alize the strength and wisdom of a group

working toward a common goal. And, of

course, service has been a provocateur

in bringing my defects of character to

the fore.

I sponsor a number of women. I don’t

ask them to do what I am not living my-

self. They are a constant source of chal-

lenge and inspiration to keep me grow-

ing and learning in all areas. Sponsor-

ship has played a big part in teaching

me how to communicate, listen, and

love.

Currently, I have a co-sponsorship

relationship with a woman in Australia.

We share written work on the steps, tra-

ditions, and concepts via email or post.

Luckily, we have managed to be in the

same country for our Fourth and Fifth

Steps. When I feel I need more experi-

ence, I trust she knows me well enough

to help guide me.

Sponsorship was hard in the early

days here in New Zealand. I felt isolated

and hungry for fellowship. Communica-

tions were less instantaneous then, and

I am forever grateful for the women who

took the time to write and support me

during that time right through to now.

Today I have women friends at home who

are there for me, if I am willing to be

humble.

I treasure the intimacy I have with

women today. Prior to NA, I didn’t trust

women at all. They didn’t have what I

wanted! I also cherish the extraordinary

encouragement, love, and respect I have

received from my male peers in Sydney,

Australia. I love those guys!

I didn’t want to get clean unless it

meant I could have fun. I had such an

aversion to normality. In some ways I still

do! My life has been and continues to

be full of fun and opportunities beyond

my dreams.

I laugh with my friends. I can still be

wicked and mischievous, not harmful like

in the past. I have rich and long relation-

ships with all kinds of people today be-

cause through the steps and traditions I

have learned how to be myself with God

and others.

I can be spontaneous and feel free to

say what I think and believe. Yes, I still

have regrets sometimes over what

comes out of my mouth, but today I do

something about it. Better than the old

me, who used to hold back and filter it

all and never say what she really thought

about anything.

At age 35 I became a mother and went

through the shock of losing my indepen-

dence while at the same time learning

about unconditional love. Parenthood

has to be the most responsible job I have

Staying clean

no matter what

I feel like I barely remember being a

mother. My loss includes two sons. The

word loss understates the void in my life

caused by their deaths.

My sons died three months apart.

Traumatized, I found myself operating on

pure gut instinct. I had no previous ex-

perience with death in my immediate

family, but I did know the role of victim/

survivor, and I felt defeated.

When that gut instinct kicked in, I

knew what I had to do. My reactions were

based on the tools my recovery in NA

had given me.

Step One: “I can’t.”

Step Two: “We can.”

Step Three: “I need help.”

I asked for help.

Over and over, I meditated on a

simple prayer for help as well as the Se-

renity Prayer. I felt that my Higher Power

was carrying me, and I came to believe

that I could stay clean no matter what.

My family, friends, and local commu-

nity were in disbelief. The loss was diffi-

cult to comprehend—not just for me,

but also for them. Often I just needed

someone to be with me so I was not

alone. NA placed many people in my life,

ever had. It has also been the most joy-

ous. I am convinced it has kept my mind

young, reminding me to be playful, as

do the younger people coming into the

program today.

Oh, I have so much more to say now

that I have started. My fears were huge,

weighing down my life. I can’t believe I

have stayed involved and committed to

a dream that became a reality over 20

years ago.

It’s not about any power I have had;

rather, it’s because I have been blessed

with the ability to embrace this program,

put aside my doubts, and have faith in a

power greater than myself. That’s such

a long way from the frightened, self-de-

structive, abused woman I was when I

came into NA.

Janet C, New Zealand

A program

of humility

For me, the NA program equals hu-

mility, something recovery demands. I

need to be humble in order to give and

to take. I need to be humble in order to

learn and to teach.

Humbleness is the sensation I feel

standing in front of a big mountain. It is

the awesome sense of respect I feel for

the mountain’s immensity, and for the

magical wonder of life itself.

For me, humbleness means do not

interfere, do not stand in the way of (you

fill in the blank), and do not seek to be

right and important.

Humbleness helps to keep my point

of view flexible and open-minded so

that I do not waste too much time de-

fending views that have become stale

or outdated.

Humility is accepting the need for

changes.

Humility is knowing that there is no-

where to go. There is only the way—the

NA way.

Humility is admitting that I do not

know, accepting that my path is to learn,

and opening the door to new teachers.

Humility does not mean giving up my

dreams and ambitions. Rather, humility

is fulfilling those dreams without flatter-

ing myself.

Humility is having the knowledge that

in any situation, good or bad, there is a

lesson to learn—and that I am the stu-

dent.

Humility is having the knowledge to

know where I stand—and to be there.

Miko N, Israel

On the

right path

I just finished my class in college,

and— can you believe it?—I got an “A”!

When I was using drugs, I never got

anything better than a “C.” Because of

NA, I have found a fun way to study, and

I discover something new every day.

Not long ago I got laid off, and here

in Russia that is a big deal. But my spon-

sor helped me to walk through this big

drama.

When I first got clean, I didn’t have a

sponsor, and everyone around me spon-

sored me. I did okay for a while, but then

I found that I needed a sponsor who was

going to take me through the steps. I

needed someone with whom I could

share all of my secrets.

I finally met my sponsor at a meet-

ing, and she has helped me greatly. We

are friends, and I love her with all my

heart. Working the steps of NA with my

sponsor and studying Eastern philoso-

phy have helped me to find some inner

peace.

I want to let you know that my home

group here in Chita is doing well. More

people have started to show up at our

group, and we hope that, with the new

translated literature from NA World Ser-

vices, we will be more able to fulfill our

primary purpose.

There is no doubt that my Higher

Power is working in my life, and that I’m

on the right path.

Irina Z, Russia

a home group, a purpose to live, and a

sense of belonging somewhere.

My trust issues, abandonment is-

sues, and grief issues took a toll on my

family, as well as on those relationships

I had built in NA. Naturally, being the

good addict that I am, feelings of

uniqueness, shame, insecurity, and self-

centeredness were created. All I could

think about was, why me?

You see, my sons committed suicide.

Up until that happened, my under-

standing of how to deal with grief was

basically a Band-Aid solution. You know,

cry at least one time; write a goodbye

letter; say whatever you want; read it

out loud to someone; and then let it

go! Today I know it’s not that simple.

It’s difficult and sometimes over-

whelming to be around people, places,

things, or events that trigger memories

of my sons.

The action plan I use today to get

through those times includes planning

around dates, events, and whatever else

may arise in the day. My feelings change

rapidly, and sometimes I can’t deal with

life on life’s terms; hence, my need to

have some sort of a plan. My sponsor,

friends, Higher Power, and family sup-

port me on those days.

I have revised the Band-Aid ap-

proach. Here’s what works for me now:

crying as often as needed. Writing. Talk-

ing. Sharing whatever I need to share,

as often as I need to share it. And let-

ting go the best that I can.

I often let go of things by practicing a

ritual of reflection. I burn letters, personal

items, or duplicated pictures along with

some sage or sweet grass. This ritual helps

me feel like I’m offering a gift of love.

As the smoke rises, I visualize a

thought of placing my sons into God’s

hands. This energy can feel nurturing,

even though I know nothing can bring

back the dead. Taking a silent moment

makes me feel as if I can do something.

I send my love and energy to them ev-

ery day.

I may think about my HP in many

ways and engage in a number of com-

forting rituals. I do know, however, that

what’s truly important is staying clean,

living just for today, and sharing and

caring the NA way.

Debbie N, Minnesota

1010

o Yes, I was taught not to get up and

walk out of a meeting, regardless of

whether or not I’ve shared. If I do,

then I might miss the very thing I

need to hear to stay clean.

o One of my biggest character defects

is time management. I’ll tell you one

thing: If I’m late to a meeting and I

need to share, I will!

o I grant that a step or topic meeting

should stay focused, but if someone

has a problem or is hurting, I pray

that they will be able to share so they

don’t feel the need to use. People

can identify with that person, share

their experience and hope, and then

share on the topic at hand in order

to keep the meeting focused.

o What about the things we usually say

at the beginning of our meetings, like

“It costs nothing to belong to this

fellowship” and “You are a member

of NA when you say you are”? Does

the Third Tradition apply only to

those who put money in the basket?

Of course not! If you have a dollar,

put it in; if not, maybe next time.

Meanwhile, keep coming back and

participate fully—you are a member

when you say so, not because you

have money to donate.

o I’m not here to please you or to follow

your rules; I’m here to save my life. If I

happen to offend you in the process,

I apologize for my part in creating your

resentment, but I will not risk my life

just to keep you happy.

o No, I don’t necessarily have to share

at every meeting I attend, but if I wish

to, it is my right. If my sponsor says I

need to share, then I probably do. Per-

haps I need a shove to get out of my

shell. Regardless, it is between my

sponsor and myself—which, inciden-

tally, you are not. I’ll progress in my

recovery at my own pace, with the help

of a loving Higher Power and the love

and open-mindedness found in most

of the rooms of NA around the world.

Written with love and care for all ad-

dicts, regardless of wellness, sickness,

clean time, or progress,

Frankie H, North Carolina

Picture this

NA communities are invited to send photographs of their meeting places. We espe-

cially welcome photos that include meeting formats, recovery literature, posters, dirty

coffee cups, and anything else that makes the meeting place look “lived in.” Sorry, we

cannot use photos that identify NA members. Please tell us about your meeting, its

name, the location and city, how long it has been in existence, and what your format

consists of (speaker, participation, etc.).

Our readers write…:

continued from page 2

This is one of two groups in Ystad, a small town in southern Sweden. Our group’s

name is Ystadgruppen (Ystad Group). We have meetings at 7:00 pm on Tuesdays (Step/

Tradition), Fridays (Theme), and Saturdays (Eleventh Step with meditation).

We are about 10 to 14 regular members, and sometimes when we have visitors we

have about 22 people attending our meetings. We hope to see a photo of our meeting

in The NA Way.

Ystad Group, Sweden

1111

Being ‘a part of’

It is late summer 2001, and while I sat in a downtown hotel meeting room on a sweltering

summer day in Atlanta, I thought I was dreaming. Three members from NA World Services—

one who came all the way from New Zealand—were talking about bringing the world con-

vention to Atlanta over the July Fourth weekend in 2002. We were in the process of being

informed of the things we would have to do in order to be a part of this wonderful event.

My mind drifted back to Labor Day 1979, when WCNA-9 was being held at the Biltmore

Hotel in Atlanta. Two things happened to me while attending that convention: I knew for

the very first time I was not alone; and I met, married, and later divorced the Friday night

speaker.

Now, 23 years later, I finally have a chance to be part of a world convention! The region

elected me to the committee as secretary/treasurer. What an honor! Our committee worked

hard to recruit the volunteers needed, which was the primary duty of the WCNA Support

Committee. What a relief! You see, NAWS had to worry about putting the convention to-

gether. We provided input on speaker selection, but mostly we called almost 1,500 volun-

teers and worked out schedules for them to work in registration, developing programs,

merchandise, convention information, events, volunteer sign-in, and serenity keepers.

Somehow, by our Higher Power’s grace, we got everything done. I did very little com-

pared to the hard work of the others on our committee. For reasons yet unclear to me, I was

asked to open the convention on Thursday evening.

NAWS had put together a big-screen PowerPoint presentation using pictures of the

Biltmore and the single ballroom that held all 500 members who were present at that 1979

convention. These pictures were a sharp contrast to this year’s convention, where our

Saturday night meeting would be held at the Georgia Dome.

I stood at the podium and wept as I looked out over thousands of brother and sister

addicts. I remembered how many those five hundred members looked like in 1979, and how

few the “many” of that year looked like as compared to the many of this night. I realized that

this many were still but a few of the many yet to come, and I wept some more.

We were told by some of the members from NAWS that there would be “moments you’ll

never forget,” and this was certainly one of them.

Nothing, however, prepared me for the Unity Day celebration on Saturday in the Georgia

Dome. We were told earlier that at previous world conventions, we had been unsuccessful

at getting a hook-up with India. But tonight, we all agreed, would be the time for a miracle!

Do you know what happened? Yep, we got India!

A member put her arm on my shoulder, and we both cried when she said, “Scott, we got

our miracle tonight.” It was at that moment that I knew I was part of a worldwide fellowship,

and that we were just witnessing the sunrise of Narcotics Anonymous around the world.

I suddenly felt at one with all NA members and with my God. It was, and is, indescrib-

able.

I will be 60 in January 2003, and I will be clean 29 years the following month. I have now

spent almost half my life as a clean, recovering member of Narcotics Anonymous. When I

got clean in 1974, there were barely 1,000 members of NA in all the world. Now we are

legions.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of you and for being such a big part of me. All that

is good, all that is decent about me is a direct result of our program and my Higher Power.

Thank you for giving me the program and leading me to my Higher Power.

Love and blessing,

Scott A, Georgia

1212

Home Group*

“There are many ways of doing things in Narcotics Anonymous. And just as all of us have our

own individual personalities, so will your group develop its own identity, its own way of doing

things, and its own special knack for carrying the NA message. That’s the way it should be. In

NA we encourage unity, not uniformity.”

The Group Booklet, pg. 1

This is a column for you, about you, and by you. We invite you to share

any challenges your group may have faced, how your group reached a solution,

and/or its “special knack” that keeps you coming back!

*See page 22 for an update on The NA Way’s new group column.

On being of service

I first became a group service representative (GSR) before I had a year clean, and

learned by hard experience to go with a full belly. Also, when I am using caffeine, I try

to have enough in me to keep people from hearing me snore, but not enough to want

to engage in shouting matches.

Like war, area service committee (ASC) meetings are boring, except when they’re

not. War should not be a good comparison to an ASC meeting, but we (people, not

just addicts) do thrive on conflict!

I was told, and have often heard, that the most important thing for a GSR to do is

buy literature for the group and get the current schedule of meetings. I don’t know

about priorities, but that is only one of the duties of the GSR.

It is also our responsibility to make sure that any excess funds from our group travel

to the service structure. In my region, this means we give the cash to the ASC trea-

surer, and after they have paid for rent, phoneline, H&I and PI literature, activities, and

minutes, the rest goes to the regional service committee (RSC).

I also have learned to have paper and pen, because I cannot count on getting the

minutes of the ASC before my home-group conscience, and even if I get them, I might

forget to bring them to the group. Having notes doubles the chance that I will have

something substantial to report to my group.

My system for taking notes is to write down everything that might be significant

and later go over my notes, putting a star by the things that I want my home-group

members to know. The most important things are any motions to be voted on by the

groups and nominations for open positions at the ASC.

I have found it is much better to fill positions by approaching people directly and

letting them know I feel they would be very good at such and such a job. Maybe this

makes me a member of the G&I (guilt and intimidation) committee, but it gets the

message where I want it.

If I just announce open positions at meetings, I usually get no response, or at worst

alert some power-hungry addict that there is somewhere for them to practice their

manipulation.

It is important for me to choose my battles in committee work. I have opinions on

every topic of discussion, but I save my voice for the ones I consider most important.

My experiences as a chair have taught me that most committees are dominated by

a few individuals who feel the need to express their views on every topic. My “solu-

tion” is to nominate these individuals to a chair position where they would be prohib-

ited from expressing their opinions, their sole duty being to give everyone with some-

thing to say a chance to express their views. More often than not they learn the lesson

and become better committee members.

Being a GSR and holding other service positions has been a growing experience. I

stop short of saying “a rewarding experience,” but it has given me lots of practice in

working the steps. I must remember I

am powerless over other people, that

there is a power greater than myself in

control, and that I need to let what hap-

pens happen.

Service often forces me to look at my

role in creating and resolving conflict,

and share that experience. I may find

myself doing things I know are wrong

and remember to ask for help in chang-

ing those behaviors. I have to see the

people I have harmed and make amends

as necessary. I have to admit I am not

perfect, but seek perfection.

It works, if you work it.

Jim M,

Chesapeake and Potomac Region

Finding a home

The following article is from a member in

Upper Dharamsala, India, in the Himalayas

of far northern India. This is the home of many

Tibetan Buddhist exiles as well as the Dalai

Lama. It is a very remote spot, and it takes

many hours by Jeep to even reach the train

station.

Please keep in mind that in Tibetan cul-

ture it is disgraceful to be an addict, and usu-

ally something like this would never be known

outside of the family. For these men to join

NA and declare themselves addicts shows a

great courage and understanding of our prin-

ciple of anonymity.

I want to share with you that it ap-

pears that NA Dhasa is finally, really hap-

pening. After losing our meeting place

last winter and being without meetings

since January, I received an email inform-

ing me that NA meetings will be held on

Saturdays and Wednesdays. There are

now six Tibetan male addicts who want

to have meetings and get involved with

translation work. The meetings are con-

ducted in the Tibetan language.

There are also another eleven or twelve

Tibetan members in Delhi for treatment,

and they will be getting out soon. We will

have to find a larger meeting space when

they return.

It looks, four years after NA first opened

here, like it might just get going!

Lisa M, India

1313

NA has been very

good to me…

Narcotics Anonymous has given me the gift of dreams that I never knew existed

and having them come true. I couldn’t make an inventory that counted them all—it

would just be too extensive!

One of those dreams that I didn’t know existed when I got clean in 1986 was the service

I would be allowed to do in NA. Service comes in many shapes and sizes. We do service to

the best of our ability, and as we do we find out what our best abilities are.

Perhaps the greatest gift of service I have received is the honor and privilege to be

invited to share my recovery at conventions. I have had the opportunity since 1997 to

be a speaker at several NA conventions.

While doing this particular service, I’ve met many extraordinary people from all

over the world.

At a recent convention I experienced a profound spiritual awakening. It has become

the foundation for making amends to anyone who needs to hear it, as well as to myself.

I believe that language, word choice, and profanity have long been points of con-

tention throughout our fellowship. I have been called controversial, irreverent, radi-

cal, and even militant. I need to claim my own part in this, no matter how large or

small it may appear to be.

Profanity has been a struggle for me. It has been a hard, uphill battle to moderate

and soften it. My use of profanity is not what it used to be; however, I know that

resting on the progress I’ve already made is not enough.

Whenever I share at a convention, I always give a warning that I am prone to using

colorful language. The uncomfortable reality is that for a long time I felt that this

disclaimer was sufficient license for me to not be conscious of using colorful lan-

guage. Until this past convention experience, I didn’t know the extent to which my

indulgence in profanity obscured my message.

An addict whose opinion I greatly respect sent me an email after I left the last

convention at which I shared. The email told, in part, about how disappointed many

of the members were with my use of profanity. It also pointed out that their local NA

community doesn’t tolerate swearing in their meetings and pointed out several ways

in which they deal with this challenge.

This one addict’s “share from the heart” had a stunning effect on me.

One of the most significant gifts that NA has given me is respectability as a human

being. Respect and dignity are attributes for recovering addicts if we are to achieve unity

and help to create a loving and safe environment for newcomers and oldtimers alike.

1414

Part of my new awareness includes

not treading upon another addict’s sen-

sitivity by using inappropriate expletives.

Anything I can do to bridge that separa-

tion, I believe, is my responsibility to do.

I have come to understand that pro-

fanity for effect or by unconscious us-

age is not suitable when I am a conven-

tion speaker—certainly when my pres-

ence represents carrying a message of

recovery in NA. I don’t have the right to

drive fellow addicts from any meeting

just because they prefer the English lan-

guage to be spoken as it should be!

For my program and myself, I am

newly dedicated to becoming a person

who no longer uses profanity while at the

podium of Narcotics Anonymous.

I welcome the challenge of continu-

ing to become a better person and dis-

covering the essence of self-respect.

Bob G, California

Why are

we here?

I’m writing to you to discuss something that has slowly been gaining momentum in

my region—the Greater Philadelphia Region—and, I suspect, elsewhere. It’s the evo-

lution of the non-profanity meeting.

I personally have no problem with a group that would like to request at the begin-

ning of the meeting that we be mindful of our language due to the presence of chil-

dren or the rules of the facility in which the meeting is being held and leaving it at

that. What has evolved, though, is a belief that eradicating foul language from all

meetings would be a good idea.

How that works is if you curse during your share, the chairperson interrupts you

each time and informs you that this is a nonprofanity meeting and no cursing is al-

lowed.

This might not sound like a big deal, but in a region that has gotten rid of most of

your garden-variety controversies—other fellowships, special interest meetings, etc.—

this is quickly becoming a heated topic.

These well-intentioned members believe that we can set examples for the new-

comer by making the statement that part of getting clean is cleaning up our language.

I’ve even heard some of the oldtimers around here say they are tired of profanity,

referring to it as “the language of disease.”

I’ve heard members use the common justification of the Fourth Tradition for im-

posing an idea upon their group, while neglecting the Third Tradition, which clearly

states the only requirement for membership and participation.

As a recovering addict who loves NA, who continues to write and work the steps,

who loves to help newcomers, and who has tried to be a servant for the last twelve

wonderful years, I am having great difficulty being policed in meetings for my some-

times colorful language.

People, this is neither a church nor English 101. Correcting our use of language is

not what we’re here to do. If I had come to NA and only heard all of you “better”

people sharing, it might have been harder for me to identify.

Besides, these nonprofanity meetings are in clear disagreement with the Third

Tradition. Remember that we’re here saving lives from the horrors of active addiction,

not something as petty as improving people’s rhetorical skills!

Our cause is much more grand and much more noble. Let’s not forget where we

came from or whom we’re here to help.

Just another ****ing committed addict, Pennsylvania

1515

H&I Slim

For those of you who haven’t had the

pleasure of meeting him, H&I Slim is “the

ultimate H&I kinda guy.” He hangs out

in hospitals and jails all over the world.

You might say he’s always in the know

and always on the go. Got a question

about H&I? Need some help? Write H&I

Slim in care of the WSO.

Dear H&I Slim,

I’m an inmate in a state prison doing a life sentence. I’ve been going to meetings

here for a few years now. We are somewhat isolated (mile-wise), and the local H&I

committee can only bring in one meeting every other month, but we have an in-house

NA meeting once a week.

I am fortunate and grateful to have a copy of the Basic Text, but I am getting some-

what confused and frustrated. Listening to the guys who come in here to share and

the guys who are in NA on the inside, as well as reading my text, I understand that

recovery is working the Twelve Steps. I want what those H&I guys have—that peace of

mind and that look of being comfortable in their own skin.

I know I need a sponsor, someone to help me through the steps, so I can stay clean

and live the program while I live my life out. I’m basically asking, “How do I get a

sponsor?” I know some guys who have sponsors from the other fellowship, but I’m an

addict, and I need an NA sponsor. I’ve already asked some of the guys who come in

here to do H&I to sponsor me, and they said they couldn’t sponsor me due to a

conflict of interest. Help me, please. I want to live at peace within my surroundings

and within myself.

Louisiana

Dear Friend from Louisiana,

”How do I find a sponsor?”

I honestly wish there was an easy answer to that question. I know the World Service

Office receives countless letters from addicts just like you who are in search of spon-

sorship.

Over a period of time, a number of committees have developed that engage in

sponsorship behind the walls. Unfortunately, at this time such committees are rare. If

those services were provided in the area or region where the facility is located, I am

confident that the H&I members would have informed you. I know there are those

who believe that sponsorship should be face-to-face, but when circumstances dic-

tate, you have to do the best you can with what you have.

You have a few members of H&I who come in to do a meeting a month. You have a

few guys on the inside who have exposure to NA. You also have a copy of the Basic

Text, Narcotics Anonymous, which includes Chapter Four, “How It Works.” It’s going to

take some effort from you and others to make these tools work for all of you. Never-

theless, I believe that they can work.

I hope this will fall into place for you, as well as for the addicts yet to come to your

facility.

If you want to work the steps, you may want to focus on Chapter Four in the Basic

Text. If at all possible, also get hold of one or more copies of the book It Works: How and

Why, for a beginning. (It Works is NA’s book on the steps and traditions.) You could

follow up with asking the H&I members coming in to your institution to share their

own experiences with the steps.

You could then change the format of

the in-house meeting, alternating a step

study with a discussion or topic meet-

ing. As you begin to build your experi-

ence and knowledge about the steps and

some of the principles embodied within

them, you could find another addict who

is serious about living the program. You

could begin to work the steps together.

Perhaps someone who has had pre-

vious exposure to NA would be a good

person to begin with. As you move along,

and as time goes by, sooner or later you

and perhaps the other inmate will have

gone through the steps and in turn be

available for sponsorship. It could con-

tinue to grow until there are a number

of inmates sponsoring one another.

As you are going through this process,

I would use the H&I members from the

outside as a sounding board—if they are

willing—to align your step work with the

way a member on the outside works the

steps.

I know this isn’t the suggested or per-

fect way to accomplish the intended goal

of sponsorship and step work, and I’m

sure some members will disagree with

this method; however, as I mentioned

earlier to you, you have to do the best

you can with what you have.

I am confident that while you go

through the steps you will identify spiri-

tual principles you can start practicing

in all of your affairs. When that happens,

all will be well—and whatever happens,

I wish you all the best.

In loving service,

H&I Slim

1616

We are looking forward to celebrating the 50th anniversary of

Narcotics Anonymous in July 2003! It promises to be an

awesome experience, and we are asking for your help with

finding workshop speakers for this special celebration.

Names and/or tapes of members wishing to speak at a world convention workshop.

Clean time requirements are: ten years clean for main meeting and five years clean for

workshops. Workshop speakers will be selected from the convention’s preregistration list.

Members wishing to evaluate speaker tapes.

Should have a willingness to serve; adequate time to evaluate the tapes (you will have

approximately 100 tapes to evaluate); ability to keep deadlines; a minimum of five years clean;

and a completed World Pool Information Form.

Simply complete the form below and send it to the WSO via mail, fax, or email.

Recommendations for workshop speakers and/or submissions for tape evaluations should

be sent as soon as possible and no later than 31 January 2003.

You may also send a tape to the WSO.

Name of person to be considered as a workshop speaker: ________________________________________________

I’m willing to be a tape evaluator: _____________________________________________________________________

Street Address ____________________________________________________ Apt# ___________________________

City _____________________________________________________________ State/Province ____________________

Country _________________________________________________________ Postal Code ______________________

Daytime Telephone ( ) ___________________ Evening Telephone ( ) _____________________

Clean Date ______/______/______ (Ten years/main meeting and five years/workshops required.)

I am currently planning to attend WCNA-30. Circle one: Yes / No / Not Sure

Please fax or email completed application to (818) 700-0700 or WCNAspeaker@na.org.

Mail to: NA World Services

Attn: WCNA-30 Speakers

PO Box 9999

Van Nuys, CA 91409

So you want to speak

at WCNA-30…

1717

WCNA-30…

closer than you think

Help Our WCNA team…

 Gather both visual and written information about NA history throughout the world.

 By recommending workshop speakers and/or submitting tapes for consideration.

 Identify members willing to help evaluate speaker tapes submitted.

Written History And Tapes…

 We hope to capture a tapestry that will represent our colorful history at WCNA-30. NA struggled through

many hard times—and almost vanished—over the years since its humble beginning in 1953 to become

the worldwide fellowship we know today as Narcotics Anonymous.

 Does your group have any items of interest that we can display at this special celebration? If you, your

area, or your region has anything you would be willing to share with the world, please send it to the

World Service Office as soon as possible or contact the WSO for additional information. Sometimes

flyers, pictures, and other memorabilia can speak to us in a powerful and unique way.

 We would also like to collect written histories about the beginnings of Narcotics Anonymous in your

community, and we ask that you consider developing this information for distribution at WCNA-30.

 If you have a tape or you are interested in evaluating speaker tapes, please fill out the form on the

previous page. If you do not have a tape, you can submit your name and personal information on the

form as well. We will use the preregistration list to try to determine who will be attending the convention

when choosing workshop speakers. You can also contact WCNAspeaker@na.org for more information.

Here is your opportunity to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime event

and truly give meaning to the phrase together we can!

We look forward to seeing you in July 2003!

The 50th anniversary of Narcotics Anonymous and WCNA-30

are just a short nine months away! This mega-celebration will take

place from 3 July to 6 July 2003 in San Diego, California. Because

of the enormity and historical significance of this event, we are asking

for your help!

1818

San Diego

One of the top five summer destinations in the US!

San Diego is among the top summer destination cities, especially for conventions, since the

weather is always warm and balmy. Room rates are especially high—similar to New York and

San Francisco—with typical vacation rates for downtown hotels running $200-$300 per night.

Downtown San Diego is bustling with multitudes of restaurants and hot music spots. You can

expect to find our convention rates higher than most world conventions. However, these rates

are significantly discounted to prices that will be nearly

impossible to beat in any downtown property. Watch for

hotel rooms to go on sale 1 December 2002 and for

rooms to sell out fast. There is no way to purchase

hotel rooms before they go on sale. Calling the

hotels directly will not help you, so we ask

that you please be patient!

1919

You, too, can become

a responsible and productive member…

Do You…

♦ Have five or more years clean, service experience, and skills that could contribute to World Service projects?

Have You…

♦ Already submitted your name to the World Pool by using the previous version of the information form?

If you answered yes to either question, then you…

♦ Will need to submit the new and improved World Pool Information Form. The new form has more areas that

correspond with our new and improved database.

Being a member of the World Pool gives you an opportunity to selflessly serve YOUR

fellowship. It also means your name is available for projects and/or nominations.

When the World Board needs individual members (and this could be YOU) to participate in

projects or work groups and/or when nominees are needed for World Service Conference

elections, the World Pool database is searched for people who meet certain requirements.

The World Pool Information Form is available upon request from the WSO. You can also fill

out and submit the form via the Narcotics Anonymous World Services website, www.na.org.

You can mail or fax the completed forms if you wish. The mailing address for the WSO is

19737 Nordhoff Place, Chatsworth, CA 91311. The fax number is 818.700.0700.

Don’t deprive your fellow members

of you and your service any longer…

2020

We encourage you to publicize your event by having it published on our website and in The NA Way Magazine. You can inform the WSO about

your event by fax, phone, or regular post, or through our website. We encourage using the website because you can check to see if we already

have a listing on your convention and, if not, you can enter your own convention information. It is then reviewed, formatted, and added to the

online convention calendar on our website in approximately four days. Just go to www.na.org, click on “NA Events,” and follow the instructions.

Convention announcements entered through the website and those received by other means are also given to The NA Way. The NA Way is published

four times a year in January, April, July, and October. Each issue goes into production long before its distribution date, so we need a minimum of three

months’ notice to ensure your event will be published in the magazine—that’s three months before our publication date. For instance, if you want your

event published in the October issue, we need to know by 1 July.

Argentina

Cordoba: 15-17 Nov; X Convención Regional Argentina (CRANA X);

Hotel Luz y Fuerza, Villa Giardino; hotel rsvns: +05.41143425464;

write: Argentina, San Martin 66 2do 216; www.na.org.ar

Australia

Victoria: 17-19 Jan; 2nd Combined Tasmanian and Victorian Area

Convention 2003; St Hilda’s College, University of Melbourne,

Melbourne; event info: +61.395.92.2345; write: Australian Region,

Box 2470V, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia

Bermuda

Southampton: 28-30 Mar; 3rd Bermuda Islands Area Convention;

Sonesta Resort Hotel, Hamilton; hotel rsvns: 441.238.8122; event

info: 441.296.2492; event registration: 441.295.5300; speaker tape

submission deadline: 1 Mar 2003; write: Bermuda Islands Area, Box

DV690, Devonshire, DVBX, Bermuda

Brazil

Parana: 13-15 Dec; 9th Enconpasso-Parana Area; “We Are a Vision

of Hope”; Curitiba; event info: 329.0005 (in country), 264.8443 (in

country); write: Parana Area, Caixa Postal 18118, Curitiba CEP 80811-

970, Parana, Brazil

São Paulo: 17-20 Oct; XIII Convenção Regional de NA; Serra Negra;

event info: +55.11.6693.6713, +55.11.9688.1194; write: Brazil, Rua

Dr. Costa Valente 144, 2

andar Sala 24 cep 03052-000, São Paulo SP;

www.na.org/13crna

Canada

British Columbia: 15-17 Nov; Canadian Convention X; “The Adven-

ture”; Coast Plaza Hotel and Suites, Vancouver; hotel rsvns:

604.688.7711; event info: 604.572.0815, 604.828.3629; write:British

Columbia Region, CCNA X, Box 54140, Lonsdale West RPO, North

Vancouver, BC V7M 3L5, Canada; www.bcrscna.bc.ca

Ontario: 7-9 Feb; Toronto Area Convention III; Crowne Plaza Hotel,

Toronto; write: Toronto Area, Box 5700 Depot A, Toronto, Ontario

M5W 1N8, Canada; www.torontona.ca

2) 28-2 Feb; Ontario Regional Convention XVI; Sheraton Hamilton

Hotel, Hamilton; hotel rsvns: 800.325.3535; event info: 905.529.5515;

write: Ontario Region, Box 5939 Depot A, Toronto, Ontario M3W 1P3,

Canada; www.orscna.org/o.r.c.n.a.xvi.html

Central America

Costa Rica: 14-17 Nov; Convención Regional de Costa Rica VII; “Vivo

en libertad…un despertar espiritual/I Live in Freedom…A Spiritual

Awakening;” Best Western Irazú, San José; hotel rsvns:

asolano@grupomarta.com; event info: 506.382.2727, 506.376.4250;

write: CRNACR VII, Box 2148-1000, San José, Costa Rica

El Salvador: 28 Nov-1 Dec; CRENAES I; Regional Convention; Costa

del Sol, San Salvador; write: El Salvador Region, 55 Ave Sur Y Ave

Olimpica N 10, San Salvador, El Salvador

Honduras: 8-10 Dec; Convention International Spanish NA; Hotel

Princess, Tegucigalpa; hotel rsvns: +976.5316; event registration:

+2395910; speaker tape submission deadline: 7 Nov 2002; write:

Tegucigalpa, Honduras Convention International, Tegucigalpa, Hon-

duras

India

Maharashtra: 22-24 Nov; Pune Area Campout; “Asha (Hope)”;

Deshpande Bungalow, Pune; email: nairfchair@hotmail.com,

napune@hotmail.com

Matheran: 16-18 Jan; 10th Bombay Area Convention; Widening Ho-

rizons; Hotel Riviera, Matheran; event info: +98.212.09510,

+98.201.44155, +98.201.30770; write: Bombay Area, Box 1953, GPO,

Bombay 400001 India

Mexico

Baja California: 18-20 Oct; Area Baja Costa; “Una Decada de

Esperanza/A Decade of Hope”; Grand Hotel, Tijuana; hotel rsvns:

866.472.6385; event info: 858.277.6438, 626.331.2027,

925.755.8885; write: Area Baja Costa, PMB-80, Box 439056, San Di-

ego, CA 92143

New Zealand

Auckland: 25-27 Oct; 8th Regional Convention; “20/20 Vision: Cel-

ebrating 20 Years of NA”; Freeman’s Bay Community Centre, Auckland;

event info: +0064.0.25.745.611, +0064.0.9.360.7073

Poland

Warsaw: 8-11 Nov; 12th Polish Regional Convention; email for event

info: kowna@go2.pl, janusz@pkhe.pl; write: Warsaw Region, Natolinski

Osrodek Kultury, Ul. Na Uboczu 3, 02-791 Warszawa

South America

Venezuela: 8-10 Nov; Convención Regional de Venezuela I; Hotel Caracas,

Caracas; hotel rsvs: www.hiltoncaracas.com.ve; event info:

+58.412.7356740; email:scr@na-venezuela.org; www.na-venezuela.org

Sweden

Göteborg: 28 Feb-2 Mar; “En Ny Chans (A New Chance)”; 16th Anni-

versary; Folkets Hus Göteborg, Olof Palmes Plats, Göteborg; event

registration: +460707235862; email: ennychans@hotmail.com;

www.nasverige.a.se

2121

United States

Alabama: 7-9 Feb; Out of the Darkness into the Light VII; Holiday

Inn, Decatur; hotel rsvns: 256.355.3150; event info: 256.852.2308,

256.498.5031, 256.751.2088; write: NAACC, Box 18231, Huntsville,

Alaska: 11-13 Oct; Alaska Regional Convention XVIII; Millennium

Hotel, Anchorage; hotel rsvns: 800.544.0553; event info:

907.522.2069, 907.349.9707, 907.332.4539; write: Alaska Region, Box

102924, Anchorage, AK 99510-2924; www.akna.org

Arkansas: 7-9 Mar; ARVANA 10th Annual Hangin’ in the Fort Con-

vention; Fifth Season’s Inn, Fort Smith; hotel rsvns: 479.452.4880;

event info: 479.484.0254, 479.561.2307, 479.522.7515; speaker tape

submission deadline: 10 Jan 2003; write: Arkansas River Valley Area,

Box 5631, Fort Smith, AR 72913

California: 11-13 Oct; Rainbow Convention VII; Ramada Plaza Hotel,

San Francisco; hotel rsvns: 800.227.4747; event info: 415.401.7095;

speaker tape info: 415.550.8393; event registration: 415.401.7095;

write: San Francisco Area, The Rainbow Convention, 78 Gough St,

San Francisco, CA 94102-5902

2) 10-12 Jan; Tri Area Convention III; Red Lion Inn, Redding; hotel

rsvns: 530.221.8700; event info: 530.321.8069, 530.892.9399;

www.triareaconventionregistration.com

3) 21-23 Feb; Central California Regional Convention XI; “Keep It

Simple”; Marriott, Ventura; hotel rsvns: 877.983.6887; event info:

805.937.5870, 661.250.2164; event registration: 805.382.1922; write:

CCRCNA, Box 2170, Santa Maria, CA 93457-2170; www.ccrna.org;

email: ccrcna-registration@excite.com

4) 3-6 Jul; WCNA-30; 30th World Convention; “50th Anniversary of

NA”; San Diego Convention Center, San Diego; write: NA World Ser-

vices, 19737 Nordhoff Pl, Chatsworth, CA 91311

Colorado: 11-13 Oct; CRCNA XVI; Millennium Harvest-House, Boul-

der; hotel rsvns: 303.443.3850; event info: 303.427.2068; write: Colo-

rado Region, Box 1437, Denver, CO 80201-1437; www.nacolorado.org/

CRCNA

Florida: 4-6 Oct; MidCoast Convention 2002; Embassy Suites-Boca

Raton, Boca Raton; hotel rsvns: 1.800.EMBASSY; event info:

561.702.2000, 561.945.7488; write: MidCoast Area, Box 1613, Delray

Beach, FL 33447; www.midcoastarea.org/MCCNA

2) 18-20 Oct; Heartland Area Convention; “Real Freedom Is Possible”;

Grenlefe Resort, Haines City; hotel rsvns: 863.421.5004; event reg-

istration: 863.667.2087; event info: 863.647.0863

3) 8-10 Nov; Rainbow Weekend VI; Ramada Plaza Marco Polo Beach

Resort, Miami Beach; hotel rsvns: 877.327.6363; event registration:

954.426.4746; speaker tape info: 954.925.0344; write: New Path

Group, 1231 A Las Olas Blvd, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33301;

www.rainbowweekend.org

4) 23-26 Jan; 14th Annual Palm Coast Area Spiritual Retreat; at Gold

Coast Christian Camp, Lantana; event registration: 561.743.5578;

event info: 561.630.6446; write: Palm Coast Area, Box 20984, West

Palm Beach, FL 33416

Georgia: 10-12 Jan; Peace in Recovery XV; Wingate Hotel, Augusta;

hotel rsvns: 800.993.7232; event info: 706.793.5454, 706.564.5391,

803.279.0172; write: CSRA, Box 133, Augusta, GA 30901

Hawaii: 24-27 Oct; HRCNA XI; “E Pupukahi (We Are One)”; Radisson

Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel, Waikiki; hotel rsvns: 888.557.4422; write:

Hawaii Region, Box 90365, Honolulu, HI 96835; www.na-hawaii.org/

convention.htm

Idaho: 24-26 Oct; Pacific Northwest Convention 26; Doubletree

Boise Riverside, Boise; hotel rsvns: 800.222.8733; event registration:

208.886.9856; event info: 208.869.4568; speaker tape information:

208.866.8221; write: Southern Idaho Region, Box 651, Wendell, ID

83355; www.sirna.org/pnw26.htm

Illinois: 15-17 Nov; GIRCNA VI; “Never Alone, Never Again”; Mark

Twain Hotel, East Peoria; hotel rsvns: 309.699.3000; write: Greater

Illinois Region, Box 6326, Peoria, IL 61601-6326

Kansas: 4-6 Oct; Dodge City NA Roundup; Moose Lodge, Dodge

City; event info: 620.225.3066; event registration: 620.225.6505;

write: Dodge City Area, 2317 Fairway Dr, # A, Dodge City, KS 67801;

www.angelfire.com/ia/naroundup

Massachusetts: 10-12 Jan; Weathering the Storm; Sheraton

Braintree, Braintree; hotel rsvns: 781.848.0600; event info:

508.653.2342, 617.592.2131; event registration: 617.427.8207;

speaker tape submission deadline: 1 Oct 2002; write: Boston Area,

398 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02116

Minnesota: 28 Feb-2 Mar; Circle of Sisters 6th Annual Women’s

Convention; NOTE: Hotel Change: Doubletree Grand, Bloomington;

hotel rsvns: 952.854.2244 or charity.marra@starwoodhotels.com;

event registration: 651.487.5000; speaker tape info: 651.455.4888;

event info: 612.879.8203; write: South Suburban Fireside Area, Circle

of Sisters 6, Industrial Station, Box 4580, St Paul, MN 55104

Nebraska: 18-20 Oct; NRCNA XIX; Howard Johnson Inn, Lincoln;

hotel rsvns: 402.464.3171; write: Nebraska Region, NRCNA XIX, Box

29693, Lincoln, NE 68529-0693; NRCNA@nebraska.org

2) 21-23 Feb; Close Encounters of the Clean Kind; Best Western

Redick Hotel, Omaha; hotel rsvns: 888.342.5339; event info:

402.551.5199; speaker tape submission deadline: 31 Dec 2002; write:

Eastern Nebraska, Box 3937, Omaha, NE 68102; www.close-encoun-

ters-na.com

New Jersey: 1-3 Nov; Northeast Area; Together We Can in the Spirit

of Unity VIII; Sheraton Hotel, Newark; hotel rsvns: 973.690.5500;

event registration: 732.613.6149; event info: 908.653.0004,

908.355.3200; write: Northeast Area of New Jersey, Box 409, Roselle,

NJ 07203

2) 31 Dec-1 Jan; BASCNA New Year’s Eve Convention 9; “Come to

Believe”; East Brunswick Hilton, East Brunswick; hotel rsvns:

800.445.8667, 732.868.2000

3) 21-23 Feb; Celebrating Recovery II; “The Process Continues”;

Wyndham Hotel / Newark Airport, Newark; hotel rsvns: 800.996.3426;

event registration: 973.399.2751; event info: 973.623.8526,

973.416.0095; write: Greater Newark Area, Box 3412, Newark, NJ

07103

New Mexico: 14-16 Mar; Rio Grande Regional Convention XIV; Best

Western Inn and Suites, Farmington; hotel rsvns: 800.528.1234; event

registration: 505.327.5221; www.riograndena.org

New York: 4-6 Oct; Lighting the Way IV; Sheraton Hotel, Hauppauge;

hotel rsvns: 631.231.1100; event registration: 631.581.1234; speaker

tape info: 631.580.3827; write: Suffolk Area and Greater New York

Region, Box 460, Islip Terrace, NY 11752; www.sasna.org

2) 9 Nov; Nassau Area Mini-Convention; Valley Stream Central High

School, Valley Stream; speaker tape info: 516.541.6022; event info:

516.322.1061, 516.647.9625; write: Nassau Area Convention Com-

mittee, 161 Levittown Pkwy Ste 12, Hicksville, NY; www.nassauna.org

North Carolina: 3-5 Jan; WNCA XVIII; “Spiritually High in the Land

of the Sky”; Ramada Plaza Hotel, Asheville; hotel rsvns: 800.678.2161;

event info: 828.683.6144, 828.686.0785; write: Western North Caro-

lina, Box 16238, Asheville, NC 28816

2222

The New

Home Group Column

Since we have received so many great title

suggestions for the new group column and

we are still undecided about choosing a

name, we are extending the deadline to

1 November 2002. In the meantime, until

we have selected the column’s name, we will

call the column Home Group.

We want to remind you to “keep it simple.”

The NA Way Magazine is published in English,

French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish,

and sometimes, when a title rhymes or

sounds good in English, it does not always

translate with the same effect in another

language.

You may continue to submit your ideas for

the column’s name to The NA Way Magazine,

19737 Nordhoff Place, Chatsworth, CA 91311

or email nancys@na.org.

2) 21-23 Feb; Freedom by the Sea II; Holiday Inn Sun Spree Resort,

Wrightsville Beach; hotel rsvns: 877.330.5050; event info:

910.342.0693, 910.815.3147, 910.792.1709; write: Coastal Carolina

Area, Box 561, Wilmington, NC 28401

Ohio: 29 Oct-1 Nov; Greater Cincinnati Area Convention; King Is-

land Resort, Cincinnati; event info: 513.396.6881, 513.661.2583,

513.706.1139; write: Greater Cincinnati Area and Northern Kentucky,

Box 19439, Cincinnati, OH 45219; www.nacincy.org

2) 3-5 Jan; Central Ohio Area Convention (COACNA XIV); Columbus

Marriott North, Columbus; hotel rsvns: 800.228.3429; event info:

614.257.0407; write: Central Ohio Area, Box 32351, Columbus, OH

43232-0351

Oregon: 1-3 Nov; PCRNA; Western Service Learning Days XVI; Holi-

day Inn-Portland Airport Hotel and Trade Center, Portland; hotel rsvns:

503.256.5000; event info: 541.547.4162, 541.607.7042; write: Pa-

cific Cascade Region, WSLD #16, Box 71942, Eugene, OR 97401-

0281

2) 14-16 Feb; Mid-Willamette Valley Area Convention V; “The Journey

Is Spiritual”; Spirit Mountain Lodge and Casino, Grande Ronde; ho-

tel rsvns: 888.668.7366; event registration: 503.393.8444; event info:

503.391.4614; speaker tape info: 503.585.8748; write: Mid-Willamette

Valley Area, Box 17525, Salem, OR 97305

Pennsylvania: 15-17 Nov; Start to Live XX; Hilton Pittsburgh and

Towers, Pittsburgh; hotel rsvns: 800.445.8667; event info:

412.853.2742; event registration: 412.366.3244; speaker tape info:

412.243.6968; write: Tri State Region, Box 337, Homestead, PA 15120

South Carolina: 21-24 Nov; Serenity Festival XX; Myrtle Beach Con-

vention Center, Myrtle Beach; hotel rsvns: 910.602.3546; event info:

910.326.5529, 910.997.3395, 843.602.7738; write: Carolina Region,

Serenity Festival Planning Committee, Box 1198, Myrtle Beach, SC

29578-1198

Tennessee: 27 Nov-1 Dec; Volunteer Region Convention XX; Sheraton

Music City, Nashville; hotel rsvns: 615.885.2200; event registration:

615.399.0545; speaker tape info: 615.364.3047; event info:

615.868.3356; write: Volunteer Region, Box 121961, Nashville, TN

37212; www.NAnashville.org

Texas: 4-6 Oct; Frolic in the Woods; Garner State Park, San Antonio;

hotel rsvns: 512.389.8900; event info: 210.699.4806;

www.eanaonline.org

2) 11-13 Oct; Northside Area Convention; Chain-of-Lakes Resort,

Cleveland; hotel rsvns: 832.397.4000; event registration:

281.446.8734; speaker tape info: 936.441.1644; event info:

281.923.7454; write: Northside Area, Texas NA Region, Box 3594,

Humble, TX 77338; www.nacna.org

3) 18-20 Oct; Best Little Region Convention XV; Holiday Inn, Mid-

land; hotel rsvns: 9l5.697.3181; event info: 9l5.368.0515,

9l5.682.2946, 9l5.363.8l59; write: Best Little Region, Box 1245,

Odessa, TX 79760

4) 19-21 Oct; Fort Worth Area Convention IV; Fort Worth; speaker

tape info: 817.441.1841; write: Fort Worth Area, Box 122028, Fort

Worth, TX 76121

Utah: 8-10 Nov; URICNA IV; Take My Will and My Life (Old-timers

Convention); Park City Marriott, Park City; hotel rsvns: 800.234.9003;

event info: 801.230.7853; write: Utah Region, Box 520397, Salt Lake

City, UT 84152-0397; www.utahna.org

Vermont: 8-10 Nov; CVACNA XIII; “God Brought Us Here; Faith Keeps

Us Here”; Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center, Burlington; hotel

rsvns: 802.865.6600; write: Champlain Valley Area, Box 64714,

Burlington, VT 05406-4714; http://www.together.net/~cvana

Virginia: 18-20 Oct; OLANA Unityfest X; “Reaching for Hope in the

Face of Despair”; Holiday Inn-Chesapeake, Chesapeake; hotel rsvns:

757.523.1500; event info: 757.562.2244, 757.934.1849,

757.562.3079; write: Outer Limits Area, Box 1063, Franklin, VA 23851

2) 10-12 Jan; 21st Areas of Virginia Convention; Hotel Roanoke and

Conference Center-Double Tree, Roanoke; hotel rsvns: 866.594.4722;

speaker tape info: 540.389.7229; event registration: 540.857.4251;

event info: 540.772.1088; write: Roanoke Valley Area, Box 5934,

Roanoke, VA 24012; www.rvana.com

Washington: 18-20 Oct; Pacific Northwest Convention #25; “Unlim-

ited Possibilities”; Tacoma Sheraton Hotel, Tacoma; hotel rsvns:

253.572.3200; event info: 206.382.0534 ext 1; write: Pacific North-

west, Box 981, Tacoma, WA 98401; www.wnir-na.org/pnw25.html

2) 15-16 Nov; Washington/Northern Idaho Regional H&I/PI Combined

Learning Days; Lake City Community Center, Seattle; write: Seattle

Area and Washington/Northern Idaho Region, Box 70404, Seattle, WA

98107

West Virginia: 25-27 Oct; MRSCNA Fall Convention; Cedar Lakes,

Ripley; hotel rsvns: 340.372.7863; event info: 304.342.9129; write:

Mountaineer Region, Box 2381, Morgantown, WV 26502-2381

Wisconsin: 25-27 Oct; WSNAC XIX; “Renaissance of the Soul”;

Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, Green Bay; hotel rsvns:

800.333.3333; event info: 920.430.3744, 920.490.9446; write: North-

east Wisconsin XIX, Box 175, Green Bay, WI 54305-0175;

www.wsnac.org

2323

Hebrew

Just for Today

Item No. HE-1112

Price US $7.70

WSO PRODUCT UPDATE

English

NA Audio Archive Sampler

This CD is a compilation of portions of several business and

recovery meetings from the 60s and 70s. Through these

recordings we are given a glimpse into our past, especially

through the eyes of Jimmy K.

Item No. 8950 Price US $15.00

Chinese

Welcome Keytag

Item No. CH-4100 Price US $0.37

Castilian

For Those in Treatment

Para quienes están en centros

de tratamiento

Item No. CS-3117 Price US $0.25

Japanese

Who, What, How, and Why

Item No. JP-3101 Price US $0.21

2424

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