Long story coming, hang in there –
Way back in time, when I was just a measly Alternate DCM, (just kidding, there is no such thing as “just a measly Alternate DCM”). All the positions we hold in the General Service structure are important and a vital link in the chain that provides every A.A. member the information and knowledge required to maintain a strong and informed group conscience.
The more properly informed each member of Alcoholics Anonymous is in the decision making process of A.A., the better their choices will be.
This brings me to my time as an Alt DCM.
Even though I had over 36 years in A.A. at the time, I only had about 8 months’ experience in General Service.
I had been an Alt GSR for about 6 mos. when the GSR had to drop out. I became the GSR during the last 6 mos. or so of the rotation. At the Assembly I was asked if I would make myself available for Alternate DCM (scared the “you know what” out of me). Well, I did and was elected.
Let me explain the election process; the question of who would like to make themselves available for alternate DCM went around the room like this; not available, not available, not available, etc. It came to me, and this is where I knew it was a setup, I said “available”, and the rest of the room said they were not available. I still had to leave the room so they could vote! I don’t know what I would have done if I didn’t get elected.
There you have it. Now, with my wealth of experience, my DCM (who was an extremely hard task master, I won’t mention any names, but her initials are Crystal S., and she is a past Delegate, love you, Crystal!) had me put together a GSR school.
The Area wasn’t doing the GSR training courses they currently do, the Districts were on their own to put together the training. So, what was I to do?
Did I mention I had a service sponsor? Thankfully, I did, and that is where I went.
My service sponsor worked with me, along with the alternate DCMs of the surrounding Districts. They call themselves the South Sound seven now, we called ourselves the Five Families (pretty cool, huh?) a little Godfather connection there.
We ended up putting together an amazing training class thanks to the help of Steve S., who was serving as Alternate Delegate at the time, and would go on to become Delegate in the next rotation.
So why do I believe this to be one of the most successful events or workshops the District has implemented? Certainly not because I had anything to do with it, but because I was willing to realize I knew nothing and needed help. I asked Steve.
It was extraordinary because I learned so much. Not only did I learn more about the General Service structure, the upside down triangle, the 3rd legacy voting procedure, the Spirit of rotation, the 12 Concepts of World Service, and so much more, I learned that I didn’t have to do it all on my own, I didn’t have to know it all at once, and I wasn’t alone.
The greatest thing about being in service is relying on the community around you. We are not professionals. As has been said to me so many times, “we do it for free, we do it for fun, and we do it the best we can.”
I believe that hard task master of a DCM probably knew that and wanted me to know it too.
There is a wealth of knowledge and experience around you. Elected and appointed trusted servants, past Delegates, your surrounding Districts. They all want to see you succeed. Just reach out.
Don’t be afraid to step up. No one wants to see you fall on your face. Reach out your hand, just like we all did in the beginning, and ask for help. You may end up having the most successful event or workshop your District or Committee has implemented.
Thank you! – Don N., Area 72 Secretary
