Tradition 8

Each month we spend sometime on our traditions. The original 12 steppers needed more than steps as the fellowships expanded. The traditions were designed to keep consistency and unity in fellowships that today have groups throughout the world. Where management is non-existent, a framework to help groups get along with each other and to reach out consistently world-wide, is a must. The traditions for most become an integral part of the recovery process. First our emotional condition needs the priority treatment (12 steps), however, as we gain health, we must learn to exist and get along with others. The traditional framework used by AA and Al-Anon for example, for many, becomes as important as the steps in procuring and retaining friendships. Sharing seems to reach new levels and healing thrives as we work together to reach out and share our programs in a variety of ways. We seem to naturally become more involved in service areas (never for personal gain or money). "We are no longer alone" (one of my favourite slogans) as we reach out together to make a difference in others' lives, thus filling our lives with the sense of purpose we often need so badly to be truly free.

We use traditions similar to the original 12 step designers, simply because they work. Our 8th Tradition reads "Our outreach work is nonprofessional although we may employ workers for special service requirements"
The original 12 steppers used a program that today is called "Back To Basics"
One of the co founders of AA would take the prospective member through the 12 steps as quickly as possible so that he/she would start to learn of the spiritual nature of the program. He would sometimes do this in the same day. However, today we use a variation of this to take the 12 steps in 4 sessions over a 4 week period. Basically the newcomer is taught to pray (to whomever/whatever) and receive answers to her/his dilemma. Next he/she tries to bring someone else through the same process and so on and so on. This is NONPROFESSIONAL outreach, the wounded reaching out to the wounded. This was the missing ingredient originally. The relief felt by the hurting as they reach out and keep on taking the steps is enough to keep members coming back. We hear so often "we must give it away in order to keep it". AA was able to achieve documented success rates of up to 75% using this simple formula. It was only when Bob and Bill (co founders of AA) went out together to to find and help other alcoholics, take them through the steps and send them out looking, that the ball was in play.

Grass roots reaching out to those in need, no fancy programs:
-share my story with someone
-bring someone to a "Back To Basics" four week session
-help him/her find someone else

Sharing The Burden was started specifically to make 12 step healing available to anyone who felt troubled or affected by a relationship (past or present). We determined that unless someone existed in a vacuum, he/she would qualify to a degree. That was the idea, everyone can benefit so let's expose it.

In Co-Dependency type 12 step programs, I see the need for a much greater effort here. By co-dependency programs, I mean programs for those affected by someone else's addiction, regardless the addiction specifically. We all know several needy people but how do we expose the gift without promoting? This can be a problem due to anmonymitry, the basis for the original 12 step program.

We feel we have overcome this problem to an extent in Sharing The Burden because there is no qualification of any type, all are welcome to take part. Eventually we believe most people will see the value in 12 step work and seek out specific programs that already exist. If not we will offer other alternative ideas at that time.

It is so important that each and every person realize how valuable they are in this process. this 8th tradition demonstrates the truth that "each of us holds some knowledge we all need and someone may need it now and find it life-saving". We MUST share our burdens to heal and grow and this NONPROFESSIONAL 12 step approach with the help of these traditions is, to me, by far, the simplest and best way to give absolutely anyone the equal honour of participating and making integral contributions to peoples' lives.

WE NEED LOTS OF HELP!
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