Self-Support - The 7th Tradition

My, voluntary, Central Region challenge this month is to share how, in my opinion only, spirituality and money can mix in the ‘passing of the hat’ relating to self-supporting and Nar-anon’s 7th Tradition. It feels so good inside when I sacrifice what I can in financial support at, not only, my ‘home’ group meetings, but also at other group meetings I attend as well as to the Region or/and World Service.

How much is my serenity worth to me? Great question! I ask myself that and instantly and somewhat painfully, I remember how much my ‘control’ to fix or get the addict out of a jam has cost me. Wow, a lot! Not only did I pay with my wallet, but with my emotions, mentally and physically, in ‘helping’ them.

When I put money in the hat, I’m repaying for that ‘life saving’ help I received. The groups need money to pay expenses, buy Nar-anon literature, and obtain the critical information for the beginning, bewildered, future member, newcomer (me, lest I forget) just arriving, as Nar-anon refuses any outside contributions. It must in order to be totally independent from any actual or implied restrictions.

I ask, with your consent please, to share an excerpt from Bill W., co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, because I feel that same compassion for my fellowship, Nar-anon Family Groups, Inc. I hope you can agree?

In November 1957, AA´s Co-founder Bill W. wrote an article entitled “Respecting Money,” in which he juxtaposed outside contributions and self-support: “Our spiritual way of life is safe for future generations if, as a society, we resist the temptation to receive money from the outside world. But this leaves us with a responsibility—one that every member ought to understand. We cannot skimp when the treasurer of our group passes the hat. Our groups, our areas, and A.A. as a whole will not function unless our services are sufficient and our bills paid.” Ten years later, as if in conclusion, Bill wrote, “Both these principles we understand: that A.A. wants no charity; that we support our own services. We understand—but we sometimes forget.”

Until, I was reminded, I had skimped. Also, I became aware that all groups listed with the Central Region, and World Service is treated alike. Groups that can contribute nothing for services rendered, receive the same attention as groups that contribute a great deal. Wow, what a wonderful concept that is!

Some ideas to keep ourselves refreshed about this ‘way of living’ is maybe, to personally help support Nar- anon services worldwide, we can personally contribute (tax exempt) to Region or WSO on our Nar-anon birthday / anniversary, two dollars or more for each year of serenity. The group, if we wish, could be credited for our donation! Fund raisers are a great source of income to compile funds together! An extra ‘hat or can’ marked ‘Literature Fund’ is helpful. Hey, how about making February “Self-Support Month” with all donations be sent ‘outside the group’ to the Nar-anon entities? — Pick a particular date during the year and have a drive for each group member to donate $4.00. You might call it “Fellowship Day.”

Yet, another very vital means of self-support doesn’t involve money. It involves a personal sacrifice of time and energy invested at the group level, 12th Step level, and/or a Regional servant on one of the many committees including the web-site conveniently from a central (home/office) location. I feel so much gratitude inside when I’m being of service. It affects so many others positively along as with myself in strengthening my growth in recovery. I must give it away to keep it! What? Sounds kind of goofy, but after seeing it in action, along with experiencing it, I now know that it’s a ‘nugget’!

Now, I not only have encouraged myself, I hope I have challenged you to say, “YES, I can make a difference”!         Thank you for your ‘self’ support of me, the Central Region, as well as WSO!

Humbly, Rick…………Central Region Treasurer and Wapakoneta, H.O.P.E. Group self-supporting member