Foreword to Second Edition pg xix
“Soon was beset by these very problems on every side and in every group. But out of this frightening and at first disrupting experience grew that AA’s had to hang together or die separately. We had to unify our fellowship or pass off the scene.”
Thinking of reopening to in person meetings? We suggest using the traditions as a tool to help your group decide whether you should or not. As well as looking at some risk factors associated with Covid-19.
Tradition 1: Our common welfare should come first, personal recovery depends upon CA unity.
What happens if someone comes in drunk or high and doesn’t abide by the social distancing of 6 ft apart or wear a mask? (this doesn’t have to be someone under the influence it could be anyone)
Would this affect the group harmony/unity?
Tradition 2: For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority – A loving God as he may be expressed in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
Do I participate in debate with information and facts instead of fear?
Is my conscience carrying the best intentions for my group and our fellowship as a whole, or is it based on my own interests and ego?
By utilizing the knowledge and expertise of experts around the world to inform my group I am a responsible trusted servant of my group. Do I recognize that I have no expertise on this pandemic?
Tradition 3: The only requirement for CA membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances.
If the room my group is in, is at capacity and I need to turn someone away, how does that affect membership? Who is responsible for saying who stays or not?
Tradition 4: Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or C.A. as a whole.
Am I considering the implications that opening a meeting in person may have on other groups or the fellowship as a whole?
Do I understand that my decisions and actions today may have a lasting effect on our fellowship for years to come?
Am I teaching others how to use and access online meetings?
Tradition 5: Each group has but one primary purpose – to carry its message to the addict who still suffers.
Do I help my group in every way possible to fulfill its primary purpose during this pandemic?
Tradition 6: A C.A. group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the C.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.
Am I trying to be prestigious by having an in person meeting before everyone else? Is my ego getting in the way of channeling Gods will into my decisions?
Should I try to lease my own building so I can have meetings?
Is having a meeting outside in a public place ok for anonymity? Would a newcomer feel comfortable to share?
Tradition 7: Every C.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
If my group meets in person with a limited amount of people will we still be able to pay the rent and any other expenses incurred with donations to the basket?
Tradition 8: Cocaine Anonymous should remain forever non-professional, but our service centers may employ special workers.
Is there going to be someone to sanitize all areas of the room that the group meets or would the group need to hire some outside help?
Tradition 9: C.A., as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
Can I help our fellowship continue to grow during this pandemic with meeting online, and helping others that may struggle with technology?
Can I form a committee to gather and share knowledge during the pandemic that may be useful in helping our group make a decision to re-open our meeting?
Will our group be able to make sure we follow the laws and protocols our province and city? Do we need to form a committee to do this?
Tradition 10: Cocaine Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the C.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
Do I recognize that I have no opinion on medicine or treatment of Covid-19, but still need to be able to make a decision on how/when to hold our meetings? (Online or in-person)
Is it possible that meeting in-person at this time could create controversy at the public level? What happens if there is an outbreak at a meeting and it is posted on the news? Would we be able to attract newcomers and maintain our tradition 5?
Can I participate in debate involving our group or fellowship without bringing my own personal fears into it?
Tradition 11: Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, television and films.
Am I ok with giving my full name and phone number in case of an outbreak?
If an outbreak should occur, and having to provide our names to public health, would this affect our personal anonymity as a cocaine anonymous group?
Tradition 12: Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.
How will our fellowship become more successful if “we did this” instead of “I did this”?
Can I be a small part of Gods grand plan?
What are the C.A. Archives going to look like when this pandemic is over? Did we stay harmonized or dismantle?