Before I address this month’s topic, I want to give a little update on what I’ve been up to as Alternate Delegate for Area 72.
It felt like my main task this last month was making sure Courtney was well and on her way to New York for the General Service Conference! 🙂 In addition, there were two DCM workshops that were hosted in late April. I was very pleased with the participation from the District Committee Members at the both DCM schools. I loved the open conversation and engagement between folks in attendance. After hearing suggestions from some District Committee Members, we will start having a monthly session to review the DCM handbook. Stay tuned for details!
I was invited out to three Districts this past month. It’s always a pleasure to be asked to speak with groups or districts. Thanks to Districts 39, 14 and 18 for having me.
Now to the newsletter topic: “Responsibility Statement: Who is responsible?” This is always a meaningful topic to review. I look forward to reading what others have written. For me, the most important part of the Responsibility Statement is that *I* am responsible. If I want to make changes or have questions: I am obligated to make suggestions and ask my questions. If I have feedback or concerns the responsibility falls to me to express my thoughts. This responsibility falls to each individual regardless of level: at my home group, district, committee, Intergroup, Area Committee meeting, etc.
I often see members of groups, districts and even of the Area Committee, rely on someone else to teach, lead or complete a task. I’ve been that person, myself! Over the years, I’ve learned that to abdicate my responsibility in this way is a disservice to myself and the groups/members I have been elected to serve.
An essential part of this responsibility is discerning the right time and place to act on it. Am I calling someone out publicly just to make a point, or would it be more effective and more compassionate, to raise my concerns in a smaller setting or private conversation? Am I genuinely offering support, or merely being contrarian under the pretense of “playing devil’s advocate”? And when it is appropriate to speak up publicly, can I do so with curiosity and respect, rather than with judgment or aggression?
The Responsibility Statement highlights my personal duty to actively support the groups I’ve been asked to serve. I can’t rely on the idea that “someone else will handle it.” The times I’ve grown the most in A.A.—especially in service—have been when I stepped outside my comfort zone and took action. No matter the outcome, I can go home with the peace of mind that I spoke up for what I believed (or what my group believed) was right for Alcoholics Anonymous and for both current and future members.
I look forward to seeing many of you at Courtney’s upcoming Delegate Report backs! Please do not hesitate to reach out if I can assist in any capacity,
Lupita YM
Area 72 Alternate Delegate | Panel 75
altdelegate@area72aa.org
