I am pretty new to this Tech & Web Committee Chair thing, so no workshops or events yet… if you’ve got ideas, please send them my way!
I can tell you about an event that District 7 put on when I served as DCM during Panel 73. At one district meeting, a GSR asked, “What if we did a service fair?” The idea was to be like a job fair, with booths for each of the different committees and service positions. One thing we see in AA too often is the “committee of one” – someone is elected to chair a committee, and they do the work alone for the entire rotation. We hoped that with this event, we could present service opportunities to our local AA community, and get some more members involved.
Nothing happened for a couple months. That happens a lot too, and in this case it was because of another common thing that happens in service: the committee chaired by none. See, AA members have lots of ideas for things to do. But if you want to strike fear in the heart of an alcoholic, offer them commitment and responsibility. Usually it’s because we’re selfish and self-centered in the extreme, though we usually don’t think so. Sometimes we’re afraid of looking bad. This time, I think it was because of another common thing that runs through people’s heads after they share an idea: “Who am I to lead this thing? There are plenty of people here more qualified than me.”
I learned a lot about forming ad hoc committees as part of this experience, which I’ll touch on later. After a couple months of inaction, I asked the GSR what they thought should happen next. They said we should meet and brainstorm ideas. Great! I texted the people who had said they were interested in helping, and we had our first meeting. Gradually the energy started to build, and after around 6 meetings we had a time and location, invited guests, posters to display, and a flyer to distribute. We also planned the #1 thing most likely to bring AA members to an event: a potluck (okay, 50/50 raffles probably take first place, but that’s something for another day…)
The event went great. Each of our committees had a table, with a poster board and literature. AA members came in throughout the day, asked questions, learned what we were up to, and took home literature. We got some new GSRs and a Bridging the Gap coordinator. We had the experience of taking an initial idea, working together, and making something happen. We had a good time.
The next year, I asked the district, “Who’s willing to lead planning this year’s Delegate report back?” Silence. No eye contact. “Who wants to have a Delegate report back?” Every hand went up. “Great! Who’s willing to lead planning this year’s Delegate report back?” After a few moments, one hand went up. That’s all it took. Once one person was willing to take the lead, several other people were willing to help. That group got together a few times, and put on another good event.
I’m amazed at what can happen in AA once one person is willing. We have our reasons for not being willing at first: too busy; not qualified; afraid of messing up. But one person being willing serves as a useful demonstration to others. It shows them that they’re not alone. Then next time there’s an opportunity, they may be a little more willing to step up. It starts with one person though, whether it’s you, me, my best friend, or that guy I don’t really like. My job is to step up when there’s an opportunity to have a new experience; do the best I can; encourage others to do the same after me; and support you when you step up to do the work.
I look forward to seeing what workshops the districts and committees of Area 72 put on during Panel 75. Please invite me – I make a pretty good bread pudding!
Patrick
