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My 12 Steps - an Online Journal
My 12 Step Blog
Here Are Some Fun Non-alcoholic Recipes For Christmas Drinks!
Christmas Cocktail (Non-alcoholic) 1/2 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup water
2/3 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
2/3 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 large unbeaten egg whites
8 to 10 ice cubes
Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional) Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan; bring to a boil and simmer uncovered, for 5 minutes. Chill. Place all ingredients, except cherries, into container of electric blender. Blend on high until smooth, about 30 seconds.
Pour into 4 glasses and top with a cherry. Makes 4 servings.
Christmas Deluxe Eggnog (Non-Alcoholic)
6 egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 cups whipping cream, chilled
2 cups cold milk
6 egg whites
6 tablespoons sugar
(Some people add more milk, to thin the liquid out, to taste – otherwise it is quite thick. In France, instead of the "three cups whipping cream", you can put "un pot de creme, mais pas la plus petit …". It's the 40cl or 50cl size, not the smaller 20cl one.
Once it is finished, drink it with red and green striped straws.
So:
Beat egg yolks until light. Gradually add in 3/4 cup sugar, vanilla and nutmeg; beat constantly. Chill. Stir in cream and milk. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form; add remaining sugar, beating to stiff peaks. Fold into yolk mixture. Serve at once.
NB: this recipe was originally published in a US ladies' magazine in the 1960s or 1970s, something like"Better Homes and Gardens"
Christmas Cranberry Punch (Non-alcoholic)
Servings: 30
Ingredients: 7 1/2 cups Cranberry juice cocktail 3 3/4 cups Orange juice 22 1/2 ounces Lemon-lime soda, sugar free Cranberries, whole Directions:
Combine the cranberry and orange juices in a punch bowl. Pour the carbonated beverage down the sides of the bowl. Float whole cranberries on the top.
SPICED FRUITY PUNCH (Non-alcoholic)
Makes approximately 2 1/2 pints (1.42 litres)
1 pint (570ml) Sweetened Orange Juice
1 pint (570ml) Apple Juice
1/4 pt. (142ml) Water
1/2 tsp. (2.5ml) Ground ginger
1/2 tsp. (2.5ml) Mixed spice
1 Orange
Place orange juice, apple juice, water, ginger and mixed spice in a saucepan. Bring mixture to the boil, then simmer gently over a low heat for about five minutes. Pour the warm punch into warm glasses, add slices of orange and apple to serve.
APPLE AND BLACKCURRANT CHRISTMAS CUP (Non-alcoholic)
This recipe only makes 1/2 pint (285ml)
1/2 pint (285ml) Apple Juice
2 whole cloves
1/4 of a Cinnamon Stick
1 tbls. (15ml) Blackcurrant cordial
Sugar to taste (optional)
1 apple sliced - for garnish
Place apple juice, cloves and roughly broken cinnamon stick in a saucepan and heat gently below boiling point for 5 minutes. Add blackcurrant cordial and sugar to taste, if required. Place in refrigerator until completely cold. Strain the liquid and discard spices. Pour into glasses and add slices of apple to garnish.
My 12 Step Store
 SOBRIETY FACT OF THE DAY:
On this day in 1939, the Cleveland Plain Dealer runs first of a series of articles on AA. Cleveland soon has more AAers than any other US city.
DAILY MEDITATION:
From: God Grant Me
How do we see our life today? Are we feeling lucky because we are sober? --Or maybe we feel angry because we don't want to be sober? Do we feel sorry for ourselves because we are sober--or because we are in relapse? Do we feel rich because we have enough food to eat? Or poor because we can't afford the sports car or home we really want? Do we feel sad because a person we love is ill? Or happy because our friend's illness is mild?
We get to choose our feelings about life. Our feelings are connected to the ways we think about life. We can change our thinking by talking things over with other people and getting a new way to see things. When we do, we change our lives.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
From: God Grant Me
"Human Beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds can change the outer aspects of their lives."
~William James
LOCAL MEETING:
Adventures in Sobriety (7:00PM) @ Sr.Center- 7929 Melrose Ave. 593B7
TODAY'S STORE ITEM:
CURRENT EVENTS:
My 12 Step Store is currently looking to hire part-time retail help for the Christmas Season. We are located at 8730-B Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood, CA. 90069. If you are interested in applying for this job please submit your resume by email to info@my12stepstore.com or bring the resume by in person to the store. Thank you.
My 12 Step Blog
SOBRIETY CALENDAR FACT OF THE DAY:
 1966: The Big Book is published in paperback.
DAILY MEDITATION:
From; Look To This Day
Gratitude to God is the theme of the Thanksgiving season. The Pilgrims gathered to give thanks to God for their harvest. When you survey your harvest of peace and serenity, you give thanks to God. In the quiet moments of thanksgiving, you sense the spirit of God entering and filling your being.
LOCAL MEETING:
LH - Sat. Night Live (10;30PM) - Radford Hall - 13323 Ventura Blvd. - 562D5
TODAY'S STORE ITEM:
Healing With The Angels Notecards:
Inspired by the art of Doreen Virtue's Healing with the Angels Oracle Cards. All notecards are blank on the inside for your own personal inspiration. Each package contains 20 beautifully illustrated cards with four different designs. Cards are 6” x 4.75” and packed with coordinated color envelopes in a sturdy re-closable gift box. Our Price: $10.95 CURRENT EVENTS:
My 12 Step Store is currently looking to hire part-time retail help for the Christmas Season. We are located at 8730-B Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood, CA. 90069. If you are interested in applying for this job please submit your resume by email to info@my12stepstore.com or bring the resume by in person to the store. Thank you.
My 12 Step Blog
SOBRIETY FACT OF THE DAY:
On this day, 1939, the First West Coast AA meeting was held in San Francisco, CA.
DAILY MEDITATION:
From: The Promise of a New Day
Our experience in this life is a composite of many lessons-which will ease our personal growth and offer us the opportunities necessary to encourage our unique contributions. Clearly, not all lessons are easy or pleasurable when we first encounter them, but their rewards are great if we choose to learn from them, and we can be certain that no lesson is without its reward.
Those things we need to experience, to learn, to understand, will present themselves again and again until we have attended to them. We may choose to close our minds one time, and even close them again, but the lesson will not be put off for long.
Another experience will surround us, offering once again the opportunity necessary
for the personal growth we're destined to realize.
We must trust that our lives are unfolding in ways that will evoke our full potential and that no challenge comes that earlier lessons haven't prepared us for.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
From: God Grant Me
"People show their characters in nothing more clearly than in what they think laughable." ~Joan Didion
ACTION FOR THE DAY:
From: God Grant Me
What can I do today to bring a healthy laugh to someone? If I do it, I will consider myself a healer, Just for Today.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY:
From: God Grant Me
Higher Power, bless me with the gift to see the funny things that happen every day. Remind me to share these stories with others in love and healing.
LOCAL MEETING:
Hollywood: New York-New York (7:30PM)--2nd floor 6720 Melrose Ave.-593D6
TODAY'S STORE ITEM:
Serenity Chocolate Chip - AA 1.5 (Pouch of 12) "My 12 Step Store can help you celebrate the sweetness of life in recovery with our mouth-watering, milk chocolate treats. Recognize personal, group and fellowship recovery milestones, such as anniversaries and birthdays or just make each day of sobriety delicious." Our Price: $10.00 CURRENT EVENTS:My 12 Step Store is currently looking to hire part-time retail help for the Christmas Season. We are located at 8730-B Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood, CA. 90069. If you are interested in applying for this job please submit your resume by email to info@my12stepstore.com or bring the resume by in person to the store. Thank you.
My 12 Step Blog
SOBRIETY CALENDAR FACT OF THE DAY:
1950: Dr. bob, AA Co-founder, dies from cancer.
DAILY MEDITATION:
Whose Inventory?
We do not relate intimate experiences of another member unless we are sure he would approve. We find it better, when possible, to stick to our own stories. A man may criticize or laugh at himself and it will affect others favorably, but criticism or ridicule aimed at someone else often produces the contrary effect.
LOCAL MEETING:
H - Thursday Night Thirst Quenchers (10:00pm) - Radford Hall - 13323 Ventura Blvd. - 562D5
TODAY'S STORE ITEM:
Quit Before You Know It
Learn about a stress-free, guilt-free way to stop smoking - for good. An ex-smoker and psychologist, Sandra Rutter walks you through her innovative method in Quit Before You Know It, providing you with step-by-step instructions and strategies that you can use to help you kick the habit. Our Price: $12.95 CURRENT EVENTS:My 12 Step Store is currently looking to hire part-time retail help for the Christmas Season. We are located at 8730-B Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood, CA. 90069. If you are interested in applying for this job please submit your resume by email to info@my12stepstore.com or bring the resume by in person to the store. Thank you.
My 12 Step Blog
 SOBRIETY CALENDAR FACT OF THE DAY:
1955: 1st appearance of AA on TV One Day At A Time appeared on ABC, Tuesday at 9:30p.m. on the Cavalcade Theater, starring James Daly.
DAILY MEDITATION:
From: As Bill Sees It
Out of Defeat...Strength
If we are planning to stop drinking, there must be no reservations of any kind, nor any lurking notion that some day we will be immune to alcohol.
LOCAL MEETING:
Hollywood Late Night (11;30pm) - Theater Upstairs - 1523 N La Brea Ave. - 593D
TODAY'S STORE ITEM:
AA Big Book Cover
 Genuine soft leather Big Book cover with AA symbol embossed on the front. Exclusive to My 12 Step Store. Our Price: $22.50
Current Events: My 12 Step Store is currently looking to hire part-time retail help for the Christmas Season. We are located at 8730-B Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood, CA. 90069. If you are interested in applying for this job please submit your resume by email to info@my12stepstore.com or bring the resume by in person to the store. Thank you.
My 12 Step Blog
SOBRIETY FACT OF THE DAY:
1939: New York AA's urge Bill W. to stay on as a Fellowship leader and not hunt for a job, despite persistent money problems.
DAILY MEDITATION:
From: Body, Mind and Spirit
How many of us have let today slip through our fingers because we were busy worrying about tomorrow? Maybe we thought that learning how to live for today is irresponsible. But it's not. In learning how to put our best foot forward and enjoy the pleasures of the present moment we learn that worrying about the uncertainties of tomorrow is of little value. There are many more todays than tomorrows, and to miss experiencing one moment is to miss our lives.
This is a hard lesson to learn, but in recovery we see the importance of living one day at a time. Slowly but surely the uncertainty of the future seems less important than it used to be. By learning to be the best we can be right now, we can accept whatever life throws our way with serenity. Our Higher Power never gives us more than we can handle.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
From: Body, Mind and Spirit
"The best way to secure future happiness is to be as happy as is rightfully possible today." ~Charles W. Elliot
ACTION FOR THE DAY:
From: In God's Care
I am in the company of people who are important to me every day. let me notice them today and receive God's blessing.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY:
From: God Grant Me
Higher Power, help me be aware today that the choices I make affect my life. My time is important.
LOCAL MEETING:
Anything Goes (7:00PM) Church--6720 Melrose Ave. @Mansfield--593D7
TODAY'S STORE ITEM:
My 12 Step Blog
SOBRIETY FACT OF THE DAY:
1946; An AA intergroup Office demands accounting of all Alcoholic Foundation money.
DAILY MEDITATION:
From; Food F or Thought
Plans, Plans Not Results
Understanding that we do not have the power to control the results of our plans is an important step to controlling reality. We do make plans, based on information, experience, and insight we have available to us. The outcome of our plans, however, is dependent on circumstances which are frequently beyond our control.
When we accept the fact that the results of our plans are always in the hands of our Higher Power, we can relax and leave the outcome to Him. When we do not insist compulsively that life go according to our design, we are able to avoid the inevitable frustration produced by such and unrealistic attitude. However good our intentions, our designs are always finite and based on limited knowledge. We need to trust a Power greater than ourselves.
Our idea of what is best for ourselves and those we love might not always be right, according to gods will. The faith that He will carry out His design for us, even when we do not understand it, relieves us of much anxiety and frustration.
LOCAL MEETING:
Midnight Madness (11:00pm) - Center - 12720 Washington Blvd. - 672C5
TODAY'S STORE ITEM:
Overeaters Anonymous
 "In a spirit of fellowship and support, members of Overeaters Anonymous share their personal stories. Readers will find acceptance and encouragement in the words and experiences of others who have struggled with compulsive overeating."
Our Price: $15.00
PROGRAM KNOWLEDGE:
Signs Of Compulsive Overeating
- Binge eating, or eating uncontrollably even when not physically hungry
- Eating much more rapidly than normal
- Eating alone due to shame and embarrassment
- Feelings of guilt due to overeating
- Preoccupation with body weight
- Depression or mood swings
- Awareness that eating patterns are abnormal
- History of weight fluctuations
- Withdrawal from activities because of embarrassment about weight
- History of many different unsuccessful diets
- Eating little in public, but maintaining a high body weight
Causes Of Compulsive Eating
In common with other eating disorders, there is a significant emotional element to compulsive overeating. Although there is no known exact cause, there are several likely options. Most sufferers of compulsive overeating use food as self-medication to cope with overwhelming emotions of shame and depression. Many feel guilty that they are "not good enough" and are ashamed of their increasing weight. Most have very low self esteem. Sufferers also frequently have a constant need for love and validation, which they attempt to satisfy with food.
Compulsive overeating normally begins in childhood, when eating patterns are formed. Most compulsive overeaters never learned effective ways to deal with stressful situations, and instead learned to turn to food as a way of blocking out painful emotions. Some compulsive overeaters consciously or unconsciously use excess body fat as a protective layer, particularly those who have been the victims of sexual abuse. They sometimes feel that being fat will make them less attractive, and therefore less likely to be abused further.
Although many sufferers of compulsive overeating try to combat their increasing weight through dieting, this can exacerbate the condition. Dieting can lead to feelings of deprivation, which the compulsive overeater is then driven to block out by further binging. Unless the emotional reasons for binging are resolved, the sufferer frequently becomes locked into an unending cycle of dieting and binging, with the accompanying feelings of guilt, shame, self-loathing and depression that result.
Overeaters Anonymous
There is a twelve step program called Overeaters Anonymous that offers support to individuals who are recovering overeaters. Important points of the program are:
- Spiritual faith. The program is non-denominational, in fact non-deity-specific, but faith in a Higher Power is central to the program.
- Eliminating addictive substances from the diet completely. This varies from person to person, and Overeaters Anonymous does not endorse any particular plan of eating. Some people eliminate alcohol, caffeine, sugar, white flour, all flour, and wheat, along with other items that are personal addictions, or triggers for binging.
- Not eating between meals AT ALL (3-0-1 Plan of Eating: 3 Meals a day, 0 snacks, One Day at a Time)
- Developing, with support, a food plan that is well planned and balanced, weighed and measured, and sticking to it absolutely - Not one bite more, not one bite less.
- Eating your planned meals at regular times each day
- A. Writing down a food plan each day, for the following day, so that no time is needed to think about what is to be eaten today.
- B. This planning is best done after all that day's food has been consumed.
- C. Once written, not changed.
My 12 Step Blog
 SOBRIETY CALENDAR FACT OF THE DAY:
1975: General Service Board officially opens the GSO AA Archives with a ribbon cutting.
DAILY MEDITATION:
From; Today's Gift
 The other side of giving is taking. Many of us were brought up to believe that it's not okay to take, so we diminish admiration people give us. "Oh, this old rag, I got it from a garage sale for next to nothing." This response to a compliment can take away the joy of giving it from the person who admired the way we looked.
Giving needs taking to complete it. We can keep the cycle of generousity going by taking gracefully. A world without those who take would be unbalanced. When someone gives us love, appreciation, or a gift, we can show our real pleasure with a simple thank you, and stop thinking we don't deserve it.
Can I accept what's given to me today in the spirit it's offered?
LOCAL MEETING:
Wilson Park (8:30) - Club - 424 E Compton Blvd. - 734J4
TODAY'S STORE ITEM:
Meth, The Home Cooked Menace
 Methamphetamine has been around for decades, but the recent surge in clandestine “cooking” labs in homes, hotel rooms, and even cars has made this toxic stimulant exceptionally affordable, accessible, and dangerous. With staggering facts and up-to-the-minute information, award-winning journalist Dirk Johnson has written the definitive book about America’s methamphetamine pandemic. Johnson examines the unprecedented physical, mental, social, and environmental destruction caused by meth use and meth production. Our Price: $12.95
My 12 Step Blog
 SOBRIETY CALENDAR FACT OF THE DAY:
1936: Fitz M. leaves Towns Hospital to become NY's AA #3. Bill D. and Hank P. are the other two.
DAILY MEDITATION:
From; Daily Reflections
My spiritual growth is with God as I understand Him. With Him I find my true inner self. Daily meditation and prayer strengthen and renew my source of well-being. I receive then the openness to accept all that He has to offer. With God I have the reassurance that my journey will be as He wants for me, and for that I am grateful to have God in my life.
LOCAL MEETING:
C - Bring The Big Book (7:00) - Center - 1125 Mccadden Place - 593E5
TODAY'S STORE ITEM:
Timothy Jay Designed Three Wick Serenity Bowl Candle
This unique three wick candle is the perfect way to mark and celebrate a sobriety anniversary, birthday or special occasion. Made exclusively in West Hollywood for our store by the famous candle designer Timothy Jay, this candle comes in a white ceramic bowl and is perfect for those who love the unique and luxurious. It has a relaxing effect that will calm any room. Available in a Black Orchid, Flax, or Wildflower fragrance. Our Price: $45.00
My 12 Step Blog
SOBRIETY FACT OF THE DAY:
On today's date, in 1940, the very first San Diego AA group meeting is held in an apartment at 3229 Adams Ave.
DAILY MEDITATION:
From: Twenty Four Hours a Day
It is not so much you, as the grace of God that is in you, that helps those around you. If you would help even those you dislike, you have to see that there is nothing in you to block the way, to keep God's grace from using you. Your own pride and selfishness are the greatest blocks. Keep those out of the way and God's grace will flow through you into the lives of others. Then all who come in contact with you can be helped in some way. Keep the channel open, free from those things that make your life futile and ineffective.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY:
From: Keep It Simple
Higher Power, help me remember that I'm doing things Your way when I tell the truth.
ACTION FOR THE DAY:
From: In God's Care
I will offer love today, fully and freely and will be open to its return.
LOCAL MEETING:
Tuesday on Sunset (7:30PM) @8828 Sunset Blvd.(Restaurant)~592H6
TODAY'S STORE ITEM:
My 12 Step Blog
DAILY MEDITATION:
FROM; Twenty-Four Hours A Day
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
I can do things I never did before. Liquor took away my initiative and my ambition. I couldn't get up the steam to start anything. I let things slide. When I was drunk, I was too inert to even comb my hair. Now I can sit down and do something. I can write letters that need to be written. I can make telephone calls that should be made. I can work in my garden. I can pursue my hobbies. I have the urge to create something, that creative urge that was completely stifled by alcohol. I am free to achieve again. Have I recovered my initiative?
PRAYER FOR THE DAY:
I pray that I may not always seek pleasure as a goal.
I pray that I may be content with the happiness that comes when I do the right thing.
LOCAL MEETING:
ccH - Great Fact Workshop (7:30pm) - Hospital Cafe 2nd Fl - 8730 alden Dr. - 632J1
TODAY'S STORE ITEM:
Confusing Love With Obsession
Confusing Love with Obsession is a must-read for anyone involved in a dangerously obsessive relationship. Fueled by an overwhelming fear of abandonment, people involved in obsessive relationships will go to extreme lengths to control their partner. Here, John D. Moore draws from excruciating real-life stories and personal experience to reveal the inner workings of obsessive relationships. More important, Confusing Love with Obsession helps readers develop a new self-awareness and healthy relationship--free from preoccupation with an object of obsession. Our Price: $13.95
CURRENT EVENTS:
My 12 Step Store is happy to announce that KATIE GAY of
Ventura Ca. is the winner of our Halloween Pumpkin Guessing Contest! The pumpkin actually weighed in at 94.2lbs and Katie guessed it at 94lbs! Katie wins a $100. gift certificate! Thank you to all the many customers that entered the contest and keep your eye out for our upcoming Christmas Contest as well!
My 12 Step Blog
DAILY MEDITATION:
FROM; Keep It Simple
What does my heart have to say today? Am I happy? Or am I troubled? We will find this out if we slow down and listen to our words. We can also hear our spirit in the tone of our words.
We are to meditate. Meditation is about slowing down so we can hear what our spirit is trying to tell us. Meditation is listening. Our spirit is but a quiet whisper inside us. To hear it we must quiet ourselves.
Slowing down allows us to find our center. As we find our center we find our spirit and our Higher Power. Do I take the time needed to slow myself down? Do I take the time to listen - to listen to my heart?
PRAYER FOR THE DAY:
Higher Power, teach me to slow down. Teach me to listen. Teach me to hear Your whispers as well as Your yells.
ACTION FOR THE DAY:
Today, I will take a half hour to slow down and listen. I will find a place to relax and listen to my heart and my words.
LOCAL MEETING:
Burbank Group (Midnight) - Hall (Rear Ent) - 3217 Winona Blvd - 53305
TODAY'S STORE ITEM:
The 12 Step Prayer Book Words of wisdom and inspiration, gleaned from Twelve Step meetings and adapted from common prayers and devotional readings, fill the second edition of this popular prayer book. Featuring 44 new prayers, the updated and enhanced second edition offers a total of 183 inspirational passages to assist members of all Twelve Step fellowships in their prayer life and spiritual progress. Anyone who has had difficulty finding "the right words" to speak with his or her Higher Power will find abundant resources in this stirring collection. Our Price: $9.95
My 12 Step Blog
SOBRIETY CALENDAR ITEM OF THE DAY:
Did you ask God to keep you sober today?
DAILY MEDITATION:
From; Keep It Simple
Step eleven teaches us how to pray. We pray for God's will to replace ours. Our will got us in trouble. God's will guides us to simple serenity. We pray for power to live a spiritual life. This is important, for it takes much strength and courage to live a spiritual life.
The sober path is not always easy. It takes self-discipline. We follow God's will for us. The rewards are great. We get sobriety. We get serenity. We get friendship. We regain our family. We get a deep, loving relationship with a Higher Power who wants peace and joy for us and for the world.
LOCAL MEETING:
H - Dump Your Garbage Part (10:00pm) - Radford Hall - 13323 Ventura Blvd. - 562D5
TODAY'S STORE ITEM:
God Grant Me The Laughter (Book)
The strength of our recovery is in direct proportion to our ability to laugh at ourselves. Laughter heals, particularly the laughter that comes when we understand the lifesaving difference between "how it was" before recovery and "how it is" living in sobriety. These hearty cartoons and humorous anecdotes reflect with powerful clarity how our drinking or drug-using days contrast with our lives today. Laughter helps us celebrate our recovery and it reminds us how grateful we are for sobriety and for the priceless camaraderie of people in Twelve Step programs. Our Price: $12.95
CURRENT EVENT:
Winner of the pumpkin guessing contest to be announced tomorrow!
My 12 Step Blog
SOBRIETY FACT OF THE DAY:
1947: Anchorage has the first Alaskan AA group.
DAILY MEDITATION:
The Eye Opener;
If life is only a preparation for something yet to come, as many believe, then the manner of our living will determine the success or failure in this preparation. It would naturally follow, therefore, that man could not live a devil and die a saint.
We do not feel that we are qualified to evaluate the worth of deathbed repentance but this we do feel - if you live right death bed repentance would hardly seem necessary.
LOCAL MEETING:
Anything And Everything (9:00pm) - Hospital - 4700 Sunset Blvd. - 594A4
TODAY'S STORE ITEM:
My Name Is Bill W. (The true story of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous)
World War I veteran William Wilson has everything: loving wife, good health, Wall Street career - and a "drinking problem." Penniless overnight when the stock market crashes, Bill quickly descends into a "stormy sea of booze." Then he meets Bob Smith, an Ohio surgeon with the same "problem." Together they discover a way to stay sober...one day at a time. And their mutual triumph would soon become the world's.
James Woods won a Best Actor Emmy Award for his no-holds-barred portrayal of Wilson in My Name is Bill W., the powerful true story of how two lives intersected at a crucial time - and how the resulting friendship led to the formation of Alcoholics Anonymous. With over 75,000 AA chapters worldwide, the work started by Wilson and Smith (played by James Garner) goes on everywhere, heroically...one day at a time. 99 Mins. Our Price: $22.00
PROGRAM KNOWLEDGE:
The 12 Concepts of Alcoholics Anonymous:
1.) The final responsibility and ultimate authority for A.A. world services should always reside in the collective conscience of our whole fellowship.
2.) When, in 1955, the A.A. groups confirmed the permanent charter for their General Service Conference, they thereby delegated to the Conference complete authority for the active maintenance of our world services and thereby made the Conference - excepting for any change in the Twelve Traditions or in Article 12 of the Conference Charter - the actual voice and the effective conscience for our whole Society.
3.) As a traditional means of creating and maintaining a clearly defined working relation between the groups, the Conference, the A.A. General Service Board and its several service corporations, staffs, committees and executives, and of thus insuring their effective leadership, it is here suggested that we endow each of these elements of world service with a traditional "Right of Decision".
4.) Throughout our Conference structure, we ought to maintain at all responsible levels a traditional "Right of Participation", taking care that each classification or group of our world servants shall be allowed a voting representation in reasonable proportion to the responsibility that each must discharge.
5.) Throughout our world service structure, a traditional "Right of Appeal" ought to prevail, thus assuring us that minority opinion will be heard and that petitions for the redress of personal grievances will be carefully considered.
6.) On behalf of A.A. as a whole, our General Service Conference has the principal responsibility for the maintenance of our world services, and it traditionally has the final decision respecting large matters of general policy and finance. But the Conference also recognizes that the chief initiative and the active responsibility in most of these matters should be exercised primarily by the Trustee members of the Conference when they act among themselves as the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous.
7.) The Conference recognizes that the Charter and the Bylaws of the General Service Board are legal instruments: that the Trustees are thereby fully empowered to manage and conduct all of the world service affairs of Alcoholics Anonymous. It is further understood that the Conference Charter itself is not a legal document: that it relies instead upon the force of tradition and the power of the A.A. purse for its final effectiveness.
8.) The Trustees of the General Service Board act in two primary capacities: (a) With respect to the larger matters of over-all policy and finance, they are the principal planners and administrators. They and their primary committees directly manage these affairs. (b) But with respect to our separately incorporated and constantly active services, the relation of the Trustees is mainly that of full stock ownership and of custodial oversight which they exercise through their ability to elect all directors of these entities.
9.) Good service leaders, together with sound and appropriate methods of choosing them, are at all levels indispensable for our future functioning and safety. The primary world service leadership once exercised by the founders of A.A. must necessarily be assumed by the Trustees of the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous.
10.) Every service responsibility should be matched by an equal service authority - the scope of such authority to be always well defined whether by tradition, by resolution, by specific job description or by appropriate charters and bylaws.
11.) While the Trustees hold final responsibility for A.A.'s world service administration, they should always have the assistance of the best possible standing committees, corporate service directors, executives, staffs, and consultants. Therefore the composition of these underlying committees and service boards, the personal qualifications of their members, the manner of their induction into service, the systems of their rotation, the way in which they are related to each other, the special rights and duties of our executives, staffs, and consultants, together with a proper basis for the financial compensation of these special workers, will always be matters for serious care and concern.
12.) General Warranties of the Conference: in all its proceedings, the General Service Conference shall observe the spirit of A.A. Tradition, taking great care that the conference never becomes the seat of perilous wealth or power; that sufficient operating funds, plus an ample reserve, be its prudent financial principal; that none of the Conference Members shall ever be placed in a position of unqualified authority over any others; that all important decisions be reached by discussion, vote, and, whenever possible, by substantial unanimity; that no Conference action ever be personally punitive or an incitement to public controversy; that, though the Conference may act for the service of Alcoholics Anonymous, it shall never perform any acts of government; and that, like the Society of Alcoholics Anonymous which it serves, the Conference itself will always remain democratic in thought and action.
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