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FAWorldServiceBusinessConventionReport,2016 Page1

WorldServiceBusinessConventionReportAnnualFAWorldServiceBusinessConvention

June3-5,2016Danvers,MA

TableofContents

OverviewPage2 OurPrimaryPurpose Page3

OpeningRemarks Page5Treasurer’sReport Page8

WSBMainMotion1 Page13ElectionsandWSBMembers Page14HighlightsfromChaptersandIntergroups Page15HighlightsfromWSICommittees Page19 ClosingRemarks Page22


OVERVIEW

Thefollowingreportdetailsthe15thAnnualFAWorldServiceBusinessConvention(WSBC),heldinDanvers,MA,June3-5,2016.WhetheryouattendedtheBusinessConventionornot,ALLareencouragedtodownloadandreadthereportinitsentirety.Questionsmaybedirectedtofa@foodaddicts.org.TheConferenceInBrief:

437FAMembersregisteredforourconventionthisyear.Wecamefromsevencountries,including:Australia,Canada,Germany,GreatBritain,Israel,Taiwan,andtheUnitedStates.Membersfromthirty-twostateswereinattendance.

BusinesssessionsincludedageneraloverviewofFA’sstructure,onemotion,openingandclosingremarks,ourtreasurer’sreport,acknowledgementofoutgoingchairs,electionofthe2016-2017WorldServiceBoard,highlightsfromtheMaineChapter,theWesternAreaIntergroup,theEasternAreaIntergroupandseveralWSICommittees,aspecial12thStepsessionthatoutlinedtheworktheyhavebeendoingtoreachmembersOnTheFrontier,andFASharingSessions. OthereventsincludedtherecordingoffournewqualificationCDs,WSIcommitteemeetings,andthe3rdAnnualMocktailPartyanddance.     REMINDERS • Pleasemarkyourcalendars:ThenextFAWorldServiceBusinessConventionwillbeheldJune2-4,2017inDanvers,MA. • ThenextFAFellowshipConventionwillbeheldOctober28-30,2016attheSaddlebrookResortinTampa,Florida.PleasebesuretoregisterbeforeAugust20!

OnbehalfoftheBoard,Iwouldliketoextendaheartfeltthankstoeverymemberofthislife-givingorganization.Togetherweensurethatourprogramwillcontinuetobeavailableforeveryfoodaddictwhodesirestostopeatingaddictively.It’swonderfultoworkwithallofyou.Thankyousomuchforthesupportandserviceyouhavegiventhefellowshipthisyear. Yoursinservice,   DaveI.,WSBChair


OURPRIMARYPURPOSE

Practicallyspeaking,theWorldServiceBusinessConventionfulfillsourlegalobligation.Asaninternationalnon-profitorganization,wearerequired,forinstance,tomeetannuallytoprovideconferencememberswithafinancialreportandanopportunitytoelectboardmembers.Spirituallyspeaking,eachyear’sconventionhelpsuskeepFAstrongandhelpsusfurtheroureffortstoreachthenewcomer.Thispracticeisworking.Sinceourincorporationin1998,wehavegrownfromlessthan100membersthentoover6,000membersnow,collectivelyattendingmorethan600meetingsworldwide.Itisimportanttoknowthatstructurally,FAisa“bottom-up”serviceorganization.WorldService,Inc.,orWSI,isheretohelpreachthenewcomerbyservingFAasawholeandbysupportingintergroups.Intergroupssupportchaptersandmeetings,whointurnsupportthemostimportantentity--theindividualFAmember.WSIofficers,committeechairs,andcommitteemembersarenotheretoexercisepowerorauthority.Itisjusttheopposite.Ourroleistohumblyserveandsupport.

Tobeusefultotheoverallfellowship,WSIneedssomeamountofformalorganization.Thisincludesaboardmadeupoffourofficersandninecommitteechairs.ThespecificcommitteesareBylaws,connection,ConventionPlanning,Literature,Office,PI,ServiceGroupSupport,TraditionsReview,and12thStep.FortysubcommitteessupporttheseWSIstandingcommittees.Sixadditionalcommittees–finance,personnel,design,inquiryresponse,boardmotionsreview,andbook–supporttheboard.Eachyear,ifneeded,theresolutionscommitteeandtheemergencynewbusinesscommitteesareavailabletosupporttheconferencewithmainmotions.

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FA#At%A%Glance#

Members#

Mee1ngs#

Chapters#

Intergroups#

World#Service,#Inc.#


SELECTACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Theofficemanager,NormaMullan,washired

• SuccessfulconferencecallsforimprovingFrontiersupport

• Anewwebsiteforconnectionmagazine;Digitalsubscriptionsnowavailable

• Severalwebsiteupgrades;WebsiteAdditions:

• Germanliterature

• InformationalpagesinMandarinandHebrew

• Thelarge-formatFABook

• Re-registrationofallFAmeetingswascompleted

• NewMeetingGuidelinesdocumentsweredevelopedandpostedonline

• AMeetingHealthPersondescriptionofresponsibilitieswasaddedasanewmeetingserviceposition

• PIMaterials(BannersandTablecloths)weredistributedtoalldesignatedserviceareagroupsbytheFAoffice

• 18,929copiesofFABookhavebeensoldoverall

• LaunchedtheFASurvey


OPENINGREMARKS:ViceChairGoodmorning.IamJamie,afoodaddict.

WhenIthinkwaybackinmylifetoallofthecumulativeevents,thoughtsandfeelingsthatbroughtmetothisprogramofrecoveryandtothisconventiontoday,IthinkIhavetostartwithmynose.IknowthatsoundscrazybutIwillexplainwhy.IwasraisedthinkingIwassmartandprettyandadoredbymyparents.AttheageofelevenacoupleofthingshappenedwhichIfeelplayedanimportantroleinleadingmetowardsfeelingsofinsecurityanddiscomfort.ThefirstthingwasthatIsuddenlynoticedmynosewasabitcrookedandlongerthanKarenBrown’scuteturnedupnoseandasongcameoutbytheCastawayscalled“LiarLiar”.Thelinefromthelyrics,“LiarLiar,pantsonfire,yournoseislongerthanatelephonewire”,Iwascertainwasaboutmeandthateverytimeanyoneheardthesong,theywouldthinkaboutmynose!Therewastheuglybutcertaindawnofmyownselfcenteredfear,andtocompounditmybodystartedtopopoutinallsortofunexpectedareas.Idevelopedthighsandachestandabigrearend.Wherewasthepretty,adoredgirlgoingandwhyweremyparentsdivorcingiftheylovedmesomuch?

ThatiswhenIstartedmyjourneyoffear,discomfortandinsecuritythatIlearnedtomasqueradewithanattitudeofsnobberyandfalsebravado.Ialwayshadagreatcircleoffriends,thankGod,andtogetherwemarchedthroughtheravagesofpubertyandthenmiddleandhighschool,justthosewereenoughtodriveonetotherefrigerator.Thosenewanduncomfortablefeelingsbroughtmetothinkingaboutandusingfoodasananestheticratherthanjustfueloratastytreat,foodstartedtoserveabrandnewandnecessarypurpose.Whenlifegotreallyuncomfortableandunhappyitultimatelymanifestedintofoodaddiction.Thesuicideofmybrother,movingawayfromfriendsandfamily,amarriageandchildbirth(richlyrewarding,butnewandscary)thentwoadolescentstoraise,amotherwithlungcancer,thedeathofmyfatherandmynosewasstillthere!Thefacethatwassupposedtogrowintoit,asIwaspromisedgrew,butsodidthenose!Bythispointthefoodaddictionwasoutofcontrol,Iwantedtogetadivorcebutwouldneverdothattomykids,Iwantedtobehospitalized,Iwantedtostoptakingcareofmyselfandeveryoneelseinmyworld.IwantedtostopbeingGod!

AndthankyouGodmyprayerswereanswered,afriendtoldmeaboutFA,ItookStepOneandaskedastranger,butafellowfoodaddict,tohelpmeout.

Mylifewassaved,mymarriagewassaved,mykidsgrewup,mydreamscametrueandIstillhadmynose.Ihavethesamethings,thesameinsecuritiesbuteverythingisbetter,notalwaysandnotperfectbutIamcontentandevergratefulforalloftheblessingsthatIhave.Howdidthisallchange?Itchangedbecausesomeonedidtheserviceofstayingabstinentandreachingouttometotellmethattherewasasolution.Someonestoodatthedoortowelcomeme,someoneofferedtosponsorandgiveawaywhattheyweregiven,someonesetupsomechairsandfoundameetinglocationandpavedthewaybeforeme.Thisiswhatweareherefortodaytosupporttheactivitiesthathelpafellowfoodaddictfindtheirwayoutoftheirdiseaseintorecovery.

IhappeneduponapieceofwritingbySamShoemaker,amemberoftheOxfordSocietyandapersoninfluentialinestablishingsomeofthebasictenetsofAlcoholicsAnonymous.Hetitledit“IStandBytheDoor:AnApologiaformyLife”.


Heexplainsthathestandsbythedoortobethere,inposition,readytoguidethepersonwhoisseekingGod;totheGodhecannotsee.Hewrites,“Istandbythedoor.Ineithergotoofarin,norstaytoofarout.Thedooristhemostimportantdoorintheworld-ItisthedoorthroughwhichmenwalkwhentheyfindGod.

Heacknowledgesthatthepersonhastoopenthelatchtothedoorthemselves,wecannotdothatforthembutwecanwelcomethemandguidethemtorecovery,wecandothatservice.Weareheretodaytoseehowwecanhelpthepersonouttherefindthedoor;weareheretowelcomethem.

WhenIaskedmyself,andGod,“whatdoIwanttotalkabout?”Icameupwith2veryclearanswers.Thefirstoneisthatof‘service’,whatitmeanstousasindividualsandwhatitmeanstousasagroup?Whatitmeanswhenwearestrivingforourpersonalrecoveryandwellbeingandfortheaddictwhoisstillouttheretryingtofindananswertothisheartbreakinganddangerousdiseaseoffoodaddiction.

Theotherquestionwashowdowedoourworktoreachthefoodaddictwhodoesnotyetknowthereisasolution?Ivividlyremembergoingtoaneventatmyson’shighschoolandthethemewasaboutdrugeducation.Therewasapanelofyoungadultswhowererecoveringdrugaddicts.Whenaskedbythemoderator,“Whatistheonethingthatkeepsyoucleanandsobertoday?”theyeachansweredveryclearlyandemphaticallythatitwasservice.IhadjustcomeintoFAandwasjustbeginningtoseeevidenceofthatinmyownrecovery.AtthetimeIdidn’thavethespiritualfoundationthatIdonow,Ididn’thavethestrongfundamentalbeliefthatwhatIwasdoingwouldcarrymethroughintimesofneedbutIwasstartingtofeelthetangiblerewardsofdoingservice.IhadbeenattendingourlocalWesternAreaIntergroupmeetingsandhadjoinedthe15-member12thStepCommittee,Ihadtakenonafewservicepositionsatmymeetings,ImadecallsandreceivedcallsfrommyfellowfoodaddictsandIwasstayingabstinent.Ididn’t,atthetime,realizethatthroughthisserviceIwasparticipatinginmyrecoveryandfindingmyhigherpower.Yet,IwasbeginningtosensethatwhatIwasreceivingIhadtogiveawayandthattherewassomethingtothatthatwasfundamentaltokeepingmyrecovery.

Weareherethisweekendtoaccomplishmanydifferentthings.WeareheretocarryonthebusinessofFA,toputintopracticethegoalofreachingthestillsufferingfoodaddict.Wewillbe,asagroup,approvingthenewpublication,LivingAbstinently,whichisaguidetoourtools.Thetoolswhichcollectivelyhelpustoremainabstinent,theyarethedistillationofourpracticeswhichhelpustoachieveandmaintainourabstinence.Thesetoolsrepresentthecollectivewisdomofourmembers,withlong-termabstinence,whoarelivingalifefreefromaddictiveeating.WewillbemeetingingroupsduringtheconventiontojointhevariousWorldServiceBoardCommitteestolearnaboutreachingthefoodaddictonthefrontier,orthefoodaddictwhowillhearaboutrecoveryfromahealthcareprofessionalorspiritualleader.Wewillhaveachancetolearnhowwedoserviceandthewaystoparticipateindiscussionsandactivities.WewilllearnhowtowritefortheconnectionorhowtostrengthenourmeetingsthroughtheTwelveTraditions.

TherearesomanywayswecandoserviceanditalwaysremindsmeofsomethingIoncereadaboutGeeseandtheirinterdependenceuponeachother.Whengeeseflyinaflock,inaVformation,theflappingoftheirwingscreatesanupliftthatincreasestheirflyingrangeby71%.If


westayinformationwiththoseheadedtowardswherewewanttogo,weactuaterecovery.Geesealsocommunicatetheirencouragementtothoseinfronttokeepuptheirspeedandtokeepupwitheachother.Ifeelasthough,likethegeese,thatwetravelfurtheronourrecoveryjourney,awayfromthepullofourdestructivedisease,whenweworktogether.Whenwespeakoutourencouragementtoeachotherweallbenefit.Ihavehadsomedarktimesinmyrecovery,fulloffearanddreadandjoyoustimes,happyandgratefulandatthecoreofthesevastlydifferentemotionstherehasalwaysbeenthefundamentalurgetodoserviceandtoconnectwithGod.Tome,Ibelievethattheygohandinhand.IfIamgivingawaywhatIhave,Ibenefit!

ThereadingonApril17thinthe24HoursaDaybookmeanssomuchtomeandclearlyillustratesthispoint

AndIparaphraseitintheinterestofbrevity:

EverytimewegotoanFAmeeting,haveaquiettimeatthestartofourday,wearepayingapremiumonourinsuranceagainsttakingthefirstbite.Everytimewehelpanotherfoodaddictwearemakingaverylargepaymentonourinsurance,wearemakingsurethatourpolicydoesnotlapse!Wearebuildingupanendowmentinserenity,peaceandhappiness.

Thisgatheringtodoservice,atthisBusinessConvention,isatimetogetherwhenwecollectivelyreapthebenefits.WhenIgohomeIknowIamgoingtobefilledupwithadrivetogive,topassonthegiftthathasbeengiventome.Iurgeyoualltotakeadvantageofthisgathering,tostrengthenyourrecoverysothatwhenGodgivesyouachanceto“passiton”youareableto.Ihopeyouwillstandbythedoorwithme!


TREASURER’SREPORT(HolliN.,WSBTreasurer)

PRINCIPLESFORFAFINANCIALMANAGEMENT

• GuidingprinciplesforFAfinances:tocarrythemessage

• Concept12:useprudentfinancialprinciples&have“sufficientoperatingfunds,plusanamplereserve”

• Corporatepoverty:

• Beself-supporting(Tradition7)

• UseFAfundswisely(Concept12)

• Keepfocusedonourprimarypurpose(Tradition6)

• Keepaprudentreserve(Concept12)

• PassonextrafundstosupportmoreFAwork(Tradition5)

Ø From“Your7thTradition”pamphlet(seenextpage)


7thTraditionContributions–

WhatDoIDo?

OperatingExpenses

ProjectReserve

PrudentReserve

Recommendedsplit: 75%WSI,25%IG

(orsplitasIGrequests)

Meeting

WorldService

Expenses–rent,literature,copies,etc.

PrudentReserve–1month’sexpenses

Chapter

Intergroup

Expenses

PrudentReserve Expenses

PrudentReserve

100%

FAMember


HowWSIManagesitsFunds

WSBwithWSBCommittee

PrudentReserve

1yrOperatingExpense

1yrconnectionExpense

FAE-Book,Website,NewPIMaterials&ProgramManager,CDDownloads

Project Reserve

Literature(+Book) SpeakerCDs

connection

Publications:

BusinessConvention

FellowshipConvention

Conventions:

Meetings

Chapters&IGs

Members

Donationsfrom:

Office,Website, Corporateexpenses, Committeeexpenses

OperatingExpenses

Services&Functions:

Projects:


SUMMARYFiscalYear2016:July2015–June2016

(FY2016actualthroughApril,plusMay&Juneforecasted)BeginningBalance:$305,000(incl.inventory&templiabilities) Income ExpenseDonations* $191,000OperatingExpenses $169,000Publications $152,000 $100,000Convention(Business) $65,000 $58,500Convention(Fellowship) $10,000Projects(Web&Design,PI) $96,000 --------------- --------------TotalIncome&Expense $408,000 $434,000*Individualdonationsareup!Thankyou!2016NetIncome(Income–Expense) $-26,000ProjectedFY2016Year-EndBalance:$279,000(incl.inventory&templiabilities)

Remainingfundsfornextfiscalyear:FY2017

PrudentReserve=$196,000

ProjectReserve=$83,000


BUDGETFiscalYear2017:July2016–June2017

(FY2017basedonmoderateestimates)ProjectedFY2017BeginningBalance: $279,000

Income ExpenseDonations $181,000OperatingExpenses $171,000Publications(includesE-Book) $141,000 $101,000Convention(Business) $70,000 $60,000Convention(Fellowship) $60,000 $38,000Projects $80,000 ------------------------TotalIncome&Expense $452,000 $450,000TotalNetIncome(Income–Expense)$2,000BudgetedFY2017Year-EndBalance:$281,000(BottomLine)Remainingfundsfornextfiscalyear:FY2018

PrudentReserve=$204,000

ProjectReserve=$77,000


***UPDATETOTHE2016FINANCIALREPORT***:

The2016year-endfinancialshavebeencompleted,andtherewereafewmaterialchangestotheprojectedinformationthatwasreportedatthe2016BusinessConvention.

The2016netincomefortheyearwas$4,700insteadof-$26,000.Thedifferencebetweenthesetwoamountswasduelargelytoareducedexpenditureforprojects.Donationswerealsoupoverwhatwasprojected.Thenetdifferenceinincomeovertheprojectedamountincreasedouroverallyear-endbalanceto$309,000insteadoftheprojectedamountof$279,000.

Thecompleteyear-endreportisavailabletoanyWSCconferencememberbyrequest.

WSBMAINMOTION

MOTION1:INTRODUCTIONONBEHALFOFTHELITERATURECOMMITTEE

(PRESENTEDBYJenN.andAbigailH.)TheLiteratureCommitteemovesthe2016WorldServiceConferenceapprovethe“LivingAbstinently”pamphletasFAConference-approvedliteraturefordistributiontothefellowshipand,specifically,toplaceitontheliteraturetableatmeetingsforsaleaswellasforusein“Tools”meetings.Afterthreeyearsofmuchhardworkandfeedback,themotiontoacceptthe“LivingAbstinently”pamphletasconference-approvedliteraturewaspresentedbeforetheconferencebyJenN.andAbigailH.Theadditionofthewording“asconference-approvedliterature”tothemotionwassuggestedbyourparliamentarian.TherewereafewcommentsinfavorofthemotionandafewcommentsexpressingaproblemwiththeLiteratureCommittee’scommunicationwiththefellowshipconcerningonlineaccesstothepamphlet.Themotionpassedwithfewdissents.


WSBELECTIONSRetiringBoardMembers

• DanB.,Canada TraditionsReviewBoardMembersRunningfor2ndTerm

• DaveI.,Canada Chair

• JamieM.,CA ViceChair

• MartiM.,CA Bylaws

• EbonyF.,CA ConventionPlanning

• MargaretH.,NY OfficeELECTIONRESULTS:

• DaveI.,Canada Chair

• JamieM.,CA ViceChair

• MartiM.,CA Bylaws

• AdrienneP.,CA connection

• EbonyF.,CA ConventionPlanning

• MargaretH.,NY Office

• PattyR.,ME* TraditionsReview


2016-2017WorldServiceBoardWSIOfficers

• Chair DaveI.,Alberta• Vice-Chair JamieM.,CA• Secretary AllisonG.,CA• Treasurer HolliN.,NC

WSICommitteeChairs• Bylaws MartiM.,CA• ServiceGroupSupport PaulB.,MA• connection AdrienneP.,CA• ConventionPlanning EbonyF.,CA • Literature JenniferN.,MA• Office MargaretH.,NY• PublicInformation AnnieH.,CA*• TraditionsReview PattyR.,ME• 12thStep PaulaK.,NY*

*Indicatesnewboardmember

HIGHLIGHTSFROMCHAPTERS,INTERGROUPS,

ANDWSICOMMITTEES

MaineChapterReport(ShirleyH.,Chair)

TheFAMaineChapterwasestablishedbymembersofthefirstMaineFAmeetingsbecausetheywantedabootsonthegroundservicegrouptopoolresourcesandcarrythemessageofrecovery.

TheGoalsoftheChapterareto:

*FurthertheFAPrograminaccordancewiththe12Stepsand12TraditionsofFA

*MaintainacommunicationcenterforFAgroups

*EducatethepublicabouttheFAProgram


TheChapterbeganin2002.Todaywehave22meetingsaffiliatedwiththeChapter,whichincludestwomeetingsinSouthernNewHampshire.

TheChapterfacilitatescommunicationbetweenmeetingsthrough:

*MonthlyChaptermeetingswherefellowsgathertoshareexperienceandcoordinateserviceactivities

*ChapterHighlights,whichareemailedmonthlytomeetings.TheHighlightsprovideinformationaboutresourcesandserviceactivitiesandopportunities.AlongwiththeHighlightsmeetingcontactsreceiveaChapter-wide12thSteplistandanuptodateMeetingDirectory

*InApriltheChapterhostedthe9thAnnualMeetingSupportDay.Thisyearitevolvedintoaweekend.FellowsgatheredtosharethegiftsofserviceandtheirexperienceincarryingthemessageofFArecoverytoHealthCareProfessionalsandthePress.

ThisyeartheChapterbodyhelpededucatethePublicaboutFAby:

*MaintainingaphonelinetoreceiveandrespondtoinquiriesaboutFA

*MaintainingaphonepresenceinphonedirectoriesthroughouttheChapter

*Inourregion,printmediaisstillanimportantwaytocommunicate.TheChapterplacedaddsin6majornewspapers,whichranfor10-14weeks.TheseaddsalongwithcalendarlistingshelpedpeoplefindtheirwaytoFA.

*Individualmeetingsoffered11informationsessions.Threemorearescheduledforthismonth.

*TheChaptersuppliesmeetingswithHealthCareProfessionalBrochures,InformationBookletsandMeetingDirectoryrackstoeducateprovidersandraiseawarenessabouttheexistenceofFAintheircommunities.

TheChapterPICommitteehelpedcoordinateandsupport:

*Participationin5HealthFairs

*2RadioInterviews

*2Televisioninterviews

*LunchandLearnSessionsfor:

*12StaffmembersataBariatricCenter

*12FamilyPracticeResidentsataResidencyPrograminoneofMaine'slargestHospitals


*FellowsalsosharedtheirstoriesandinformationaboutFARecoverywithtwoeighthgradehealthclassesatamiddleschool

WESTERNAREAINTERGROUP(SusanH.,Chair)

TwelfthStepCommittee

ThispastyearourOutboundSub-committeesentout200letterstoDrugandTreatmentCenters,andrehabilitationfacilitiestoinformthemofFAandletthemknowwewouldbeavailabletoanyoneneedinghelp.

PublicInformationCommittee

CommunityOutreachActivities:

JesseBethelHS,Vallejo,CA,Psychologyclasspresentation;Fall2015andSpring2016

22HealthFairsattended;College,CommunityandCorporate

1LunchandLearnatLifelongMedicalCenter,Richmond,CA

3PIsessionsatSanFranciscoPublicLibrarybranches

1PIsessionatZuckerberg,SanFranciscoGeneralHospital,ObesityClinic

HealthFaireventsalsotookplaceinCalgary,Canada;Austin,Texas;andinSouthernCalifornia

OfficeCommittee

SupportsandmaintainsWebinformationfor222meetings.

EASTERNAREAINTERGROUP(CourtneyG.,Chair)

• AsofApril1,2016,therewere331registeredEAImeetingsinsixcountries:Canada,Germany,Israel,Mexico,theUnitedKingdom,andtheUnitedStates.

• IntheU.S.,thereareregisteredEAImeetingsintheDistrictofColumbiaand21states.• (Alabama,Connecticut,Delaware,Florida,Georgia,Illinois,Kentucky,Massachusetts,

Maryland,Maine,Michigan,NorthCarolina,NewHampshire,NewJersey,NewYork,Ohio,Pennsylvania,RhodeIsland,SouthCarolina,Virginia,andWisconsin.)

• Ourpurposeistwofold:toservemeetings,individuals,andnewcomerswithinourareaandtofacilitatemeetingsandlocalservicegroupsincarryingouttheirownserviceefforts.

• Committeeso FinancialAid&Resourceso ServiceGroupSupport


o OfficeServices&Supporto PublicInformationo Teens&Twentieso 12thStepCommittee(connectioncommittee)

• AhighprioritycontinuestobesupportingserviceoutsideoftheBostonarea.• OurbiggestannualprojectistheServiceSupportWeekend.Wehostedapproximately190

FAmembers(anewrecord!)from17statesandCanadaatthe15thannualServiceSupportWeekendonNovember7and8,2015.

• The16thannualServiceSupportWeekendwillbeheldNovember12&13,2016.• TheServiceSupportCommitteereportsthatlocalservicegroupsarefunctioninginthe

followingareas:Charlotte,NC;WashingtonDC;SoutheastMichigan;Cleveland,OH;Rochester,NY;Ithaca,NY;Philadelphia,PA;Owensboro,KY;WestMichigan,MI;MetroAtlanta,GA.

• Thisyear’sbiggesttechnological/frontier-focusedinnovationinvolvedofferingindividualsandservicegroups2+hoursawaytheopportunitytoparticipateinourbodymeetingusingGoToMeeting.ThiswasarrangedbytheOfficeCommittee.

• Additionally,wearemovingforwardwithimplementingacohesiveplanforelectronicfilesharingandfilestorage.

• EasternAreaIntergrouphascontinuedtofocusonspecificthemesinourbodymeetings,suchasatouroftheFAwebsite,awalk-throughofConventionregistration.

• ServiceConferenceCalls:• EAIQuarterlyCallledbytheViceChair,withsupportfromChapter&RegionSupport,

FinancialAid&Resources,connection,and12thStep.• Fourcommittees—ChapterandRegionSupport,Connection,PublicInformation,andTeens

&Twenties—offeraconferencecalldial-inoptionformemberswhoare2+hoursawayfromIntergroupwhowishtoparticipateremotelyincommitteemeetings.

• Wehaveimplementedamonthlyinvitationforapersonwhodoesn’thave90daysofabstinencetodoareadingfromAsBillSeesIt,WritingsfromAA’sCofounder.12thStepCommitteeThank-a-thons,roadtrips,hospitalvisits,homemeetings,connectionsessions,conductingEAIorientation,andbeingthe“welcomingcommittee,”postingsignageandenlistinggreeters.PICommitteeWecontinuetosupporttheFrontierintheireffortstogetthemessageouttotheoutlyingareasforspreadingthemessageaboutFA.Wehavesharedbestpractices,assistedwithliteraturerequests,thedeploymentoftheFAbooksforlocallibrariesandhospitals.WehavesharedthebestpracticesaroundconferencesandPIsessionsandhaveassistedingettingtheoutlyingareastheinformationtheyneedtobesuccessful.

• Hospitals/Newsletters:Wearemakingslowprogress• Conferences:EriccontinuestoupdateusonconferencesthatheistargetingforFAto

participateandalsoprovidingfeedbackontheturnoutandneedstosupporttheconferenceandthefollowup.


• FABook:Wecontinuetosupporttheefforttofundbooksintheterritoriesthatrequireassistancetogetthemessageouttothefield.

• Tri-folds/Racks:Kevincontinuestosupportsendinganyoneliteraturetosupporttheireffortsforoutreachesandconferences.Healsomanagesthebannersandothermaterialsforalargeconference.

HIGHLIGHTSFROMWSICOMMITTEES

OfficeCommittee(MargaretH.,Chair)

Acomprehensivenewsectionoffrequentlyaskedquestions(FAQs)wasaddedtotheFAwebsiteatwww.foodaddicts.orginJune2016.TheWSIOfficeCommitteeencouragesFAmemberstolookattheFAQsbeforecallingoremailingtheofficewithquestions.Choosethe“ForMembers”tabonthehomepage.Selectthe“MemberHome”tabonthenextpage.TheFAQsarethefirstitemonthedropdownmenuforthattab.

ConventionPlanningCommittee(EbonyF.,Chair)

2016BusinessConvention

*OnJune3-5,2016wehostedour15thannualWorldServiceBusinessConventioninDanvers,MA.

*Fourhundredforty-twomembersattendedfromAustralia,Canada,Germany,GreatBritain,Israel,Taiwan,andtheUnitedStates,andthirty-threeoftheUnitedStates.

*BusinesssessionsincludedageneraloverviewofFA'sstructure;openingandclosingremarks;ourtreasurer'sreport;onemotion;acknowledgementofoutgoingchairs;electionofthe2016-17WorldServiceBoard;highlightsfromtheMaineChapter,theWesternAreaIntergroup,theEasternAreaIntergroup,andseveralWSIcommittees;anupdateontheFrontier;andanFASharingSessionthatfocusedontwotopics:“ReachingtheStillStrugglingAddict”and"LivingAbstinently…andusingthetoolstodoso."Therewasalsoasessioncalled"SometimesQuickly,SometimesSlowly,"bymemberswith20yearsormoreofcontinuousabstinenceinFA.OthereventsincludedtherecordingoffournewqualificationCDs,artandwritingworkshopsforconnectionmagazine,WSIcommitteemeetings,andthe4rdAnnualMocktailPartyanddance.

2016FellowshipConvention

*Wearelookingforwardtohostingthe2016FellowshipConventioninFlorida.

*Dates:Friday,October28-Sunday,October30,2016*Location:Tampa,FloridaatSaddlebrookResort.DiscountCode:FAFellowship

*Pricing:$145/night(onebedroomsuite);$229/night(twobedroomsuite)*FormoreinformationpleasecheckouttheFellowshipConventionsectionoftheFAwebsite.


UpcomingBusinessConventionDatesandLocation:

*2017:June2-4,2017attheDoubletreebyHiltonHotelinDanvers,Massachusetts

12thSTEPCOMMITTEE(PaulaK.,Chair)

12-STEPCOMMITTEESESSIONAT2016BUSINESSCONVENTION

Duringthe2016BusinessConvention,the12thStepCommitteedeliveredapresentation,togiveanoverviewoftheworkthecommitteehaddoneinresponsetotherequestsandconcernsbroughtupatthe2015Convention.TheFABoardand12StepCommitteetookthetaskofincreasingsupporttopeoplewhoarelivingontheFrontierandimplementedthefollowinginitiatives:

FrontierSupportCalls

TheFrontierSubcommitteesponsoredtwoSupportCalls.ThefirstwasheldonOctober18th,2015andthesecondwasheldonFebruary21,2016.Approximately100membersparticipatedoneachSupportCall.FAmemberswholiveorhadlivedontheFrontiersharedtheirexperience,strengthandhopeoneachcall.Thetopicscoveredincluded:1.)Buildingandmaintainingafellowship2.)Attendingin-personAAmeetings3.)Doingserviceandlivingonthefrontier4.)Whyserviceisimportanttorecovery.

FrontierTabonFAwebsite

TheFrontiersubcommitteealsocreatedanewwebpageontheFAWebsitetohelplinkFAFrontiermemberstoavailableresourceswhichsupportthem.Thereisanewlink(“NoMeetingsinyourArea?”).Thatlinktakesthemtoanewwebpagethatcontainslinkstoprogramliterature,theFrontierPhoneList,FrontierSponsorList,UniversalLanguageList,individualstoriesandarticles,Highlights/SummariesfromFrontierSupportCalls,andPublicInformationresources.Thepageis:http://www.foodaddicts.org/living-on-the-frontier

GratitudeinActionNewsletter

GratitudeinAction(GIA)isafree,quarterlyemailpublicationoftheWSI12thStepCommittee,offeringtoolsandresourceswithinFAtoinspirememberstodoservice.Thenewsletterhasrecentlychangeditsformatbringinganewlookandfeeltothispublication.

ExperienceStrengthandHope

Memberswhocurrentlylive,orwhopreviouslylived,ontheFrontierwereinvitedtocometothemicrophoneandshareexperience,strengthandhopeaboutlivingontheFrontier.Topicsdiscussedinthissharingsessionincluded:thedifficultyoflanguagebarriers;theuseofthephonetobuildafellowship;attendingAAmeetings;travelingtosurroundthemselveswithrecovery.MemberswereremindedthatFAhasgrownenormouslyinthelastfewyears,andlikeother12StepPrograms,itwillcontinuetogrow.AstheAABigBook“Theywillapproachstillothersick


onesandfellowshipsof[FoodAddictsinRecoveryAnonymous]mayspringupineachcityandhamlet,havensforthosewhomustfindawayout.”

Service

TheCommitteeemphasizedpracticalwaystodoserviceforthoseontheFrontierandthosewhodonotliveontheFrontier.

SuggestionsofserviceforthoseontheFrontier:

JoinacommitteeattheWorldService,IntergrouporChapterlevel;attendtheBusinessConventionandFellowshipConvention,andaskaboutservicepositions;writeforconnectionmagazineandtheGratitudeinActionnewsletter;beamodelofrecoveryatyourAAmeetings;jointheFrontierSponsorListorUniversalLanguageList;doPublicInformationaboutFAandmostimportantly,“Wedoservicebystayingabstinent.”

SuggestionsofserviceforthosenotontheFrontier:

Answerthephoneandreturncalls;makecallstopeopleontheFrontier-usetheFrontierPhoneList;jointheFrontierSponsorListorUniversalLanguageList;hostpeoplewhocomefromoutoftown;encouragemembersontheFrontiertogetinvolvedinservice;encouragepeopleontheFrontiertovisitareaswithmeetingsandfellowship;participateinFAInformationSessionsoutsideyourarea.

CONNECTIONCOMMITTEE(ADRIENNEP.,CHAIR)

• Newdigitalconnectionsubscriptionisavailable!• Newconnectionsubscriptionprices,bothnationallyand

internationally:• $20.00-digital,$25print-10issuesperyear

• Volumes13and14ofconnectionCollectionnowavailable(years2014-2015)

• connectionislookingforarticleswrittenaboutlivingabstinentlyontheFrontier,(specificallypertainingtothechallengesofbeinganareawithoutanyFAmeetingsorfellowship).Wearehopingtostartanongoingsectioninthemagazinethatfocusesontheexperience,strengthandhopeofthosewhohavebeen,orstillareinoutlyingareas.


• Pleasesubscribeandsubmitartandarticlesat:http://connection.foodaddicts.org

• Thankyouforallyourongoingsupportandinterest!

ConcludingRemarks•2016BusinessConventionDaveI.,WSBChair

MynameisDave.I’mafoodaddict.

Beingchairisn’talwaystheeasiestjobintheworld.SometimesIgetcallsfrommembersofourprogramexpressingagloomystateofaffairsinourgrowingfellowship.It’salittletoughtoknowwhattosaytothem.Sowhathelpsme,istorememberlookingoutoverthisvastandunifiedseaofpeoplewhoaredoingamazingworkinandforthisfellowship.EveryonemustagreethatweFAersareunbelievablyfortunatepeople;fortunatethatwehavesufferedsomuch;fortunatethatwecanknow,understand,andloveandworktogethersosupremelywell.Theseattributesandvirtuesare,inthewordsofBillW.,the“trueorigininourkinshipbornofacommonsufferingandacommondeliverancebythegraceofGod.”WhenIamrestoredtoasenseofpersonalgratitude,Icanthenbeavailabletoassistmemberswhoarestrugglingwithinternalissues.

IgetadeepsenseofappreciationandconnectionwhenIthinkthatweallendedupherewiththesameproblemandareworkingtogetherwithsuchdevotionandenthusiasmtowardacommonsolution.WhatIexperienceherewithyouiswhatIsoughtafterallofmylife.ButIneverfoundwhatIwaslookingforinfood.HowcouldIpossiblyget,inboxes,bags,andbowls,whatIgethere?Ineverrememberknowingwhatenoughfeltlike.Ifeltstuffedinthosedays,butIneverfeltfull–thewayIfeelamidstthisgroup.

WherewasIonaSundaymorningwhenIcameherenearlytwentyyearsago?Iwasalone,depressed,andfullofrage,fear,insecurity,andself-pity,withmydrapesdrawnduringaweekendofbingingandpurging.Buttoday,I’mherewithyou.Iamapartofsomethingbiggerthanjustmyself,andIamgrowingandlearning.Iowemylifetothisprogramthatsavedmefrommyself.

Weall,whenwearrived,wereonthesamepathtoourrespectivetrashheaps.Andweallgetthesameresultsfromourrecovery-inproportiontoourdedicationandperseverance.It’sastonishingifyoustopandthinkaboutit.

AsIstandhere,Iamfilledwithasenseofindescribableawe,appreciation,andfulfillmentthatcannotpossiblybeexplainedinwords.Itcanonlybearticulatedbytheimperceptiblelanguageoftheheart.

AsIsendyouofftoyourrespectivehomesaroundtheplanet,threeimportantmessagescometomindthatIwanttoemphasize:


#1.Let’srememberourroots.WhenIcameintoFA,therewereonlytwoofusinCanada.Welivedalmostthreehours’drivefromeachother.BackthentherewerenosuchthingsasconferencecallsorphoneAWOLsorSkypeandbarelytheinternet.Whattherewas,wasagroupofcourageousmembersintheNewEnglandareawhounderstoodthat,forus,foodisanaddictionandthatrecoveryandfreedomfromthisdiseasewasactuallypossible.

AndIreachedouttothesepeopletogettheirguidance,despitewhatwereatthetimeexorbitantinternationalphoneplans.

IalsosavedupandtravelledtoBoston,tomeettheseearlymemberspersonally.Istayedwiththem.Iwatchedhowtheyworkedtheirprogram.AndIattendedmeetingswiththem.

IgotlostonmorethanoneoccasionintheBostonsubwaysystem,butIeventuallygottothosemeetings.ThosetripstoBostonwereapilgrimageforme.

MysponsoralwaysputmetoworkwhenIcame,andinsistedthatIleadthemeetingsthatIattended.IwassoinexperiencedandnervousthenthatatonemeetingIsharedforoveranhour.Attheendoftheten-minutebreakitwastimetogohome.Nobodycriticizedmenordidtheytellmehowwonderfulmystorywas.Theyjusttoldmetokeepcomingback.

WhatIlearnedfromtheseearlymemberswastheimportanceofgettingoutofthehouseandgoingtoanylengthtofindstrongandsupportiveAAandNAmeetings.

Eventually,IwasencouragedtostartanFAmeeting.Itdidmegoodtofindaspaceforameeting,photocopyposters,andtakethemaroundtobulletinboardsingrocerystores,laundrymats,anddoctors’offices,andtofindalocationwhereIcouldgoandgetrecovery.SomeofmyearlyFAmeetingswerespentsittingbymyself,readingtheformat,andlisteningtoastoryononeofthosecassettetapesofearlymembers.ButIdidmyparttogetoutoftheisolationofmyhouseandtakemyseatontherecoverytrain–whereit’sdirection,notvelocity–thatcountsthemost.

Withguidanceandsupportfrommysponsorandotherearlymembers,Iworkedwiththepressandhealthcareprofessionals.Andpeopleeventuallystartedtocome.Iwasscared,butIgothelpfromthosewhowalkedbeforeme,and,inmyownimperfectefforts,thefellowshipgraduallybegantogrowaroundmeand–attimesIamsure–withallmydefectsofcharacter-inspiteofme.

WhatIlearnedfromthisisthatthereisnoendeavorwithouterror,thatallmyeffortsweremerelyimperfectactionsthattookmealongapathofrecovery.

Ifranklyhaven’tfeltcomfortableatthebeginningofanyservicepositionIhavebeenaskedtostepintointhisprogram.ButIhavelearnedherethatconfidenceisnotaprerequisite.Confidenceisanoutcomeofwalkingtowardthatwhichisfrighteninganduncomfortable.Willingnessistherequisite,andprayerbringsthepower.Iamlearningthemeaningofdevotionandperseverance,andthatcourageissimplyfearattachedtoaprayer.

Althoughatadistance,IwashereattheconceptionofFAin1998.Therewerenofounders,butratherascoreofcourageousmemberswho,overapreviousperiodof20years,understoodthe


natureoffoodaddictionandwhohadfound,fromthestrengthoftheirexperience,apathofrecovery.Theywerewillingtolistentotruthandhadthecouragetofollowthedivinedirectionthatcamethroughgroupconscience.Ireliedontheseearlymemberswhoformedtherootsofthisprogram,whoguidedmethroughmyyoungdaysofrecoveryandintomyownexperienceofGod.

Todaytherearehundredsofoptionsforpeoplestrugglingwithfood.WhatIvalueaboutthisprogramisthatithasgivenmewhatAAhasgiventorecoveringalcoholics,[toparaphrasethewordsintheBigBookofAA,page85],anentirelynewattitudetowardfood…withoutanythoughtoreffortonourpart…Thatisthemiracleofit.Wearenolongerfightingfood,neither

areweavoidingtemptation.Wehavebeenplacedinapositionofneutrality–safeandprotected…solongaswekeepinfitspiritualcondition.

Whereelseintheworldcanyoufindthispromiseofcompletefreedomandneutralityaroundfood?Nomorecravings!Thisallcamefromourroots–thoseearlymemberswhopavedthewayformeandtherestofus-withfundamentalspiritualprinciplesofrecoveryfromfoodaddiction.

#2.Let’sremembertokeepourprogramsimple.Dr.Bob,inhislastspeechtotheAAfellowshippriortohisdeathin1950,saidthis:“Let'sbesuretonotlouseallthisup-withFreudiancomplexesandthingsthatareinterestingtothescientificmind,buthaveverylittletodowithouractualAAwork.”

IamgratefultohavebeengivenasimpleprogramwhenIcamein,withsimpledisciplines,andasimpleapproachtounderstandingandapplyingthe12Stepstorecoveryfromfoodaddiction.WhenIwaslessthanamonthabstinentIthoughtIwassmartenoughtore-writethemeetingformat,re-writethedisciplines,alongwiththe24HourADaybook,andwhileIwasatit,Iwantedtore-writeAA’sBigBook…

GoodthingIhadasponsortostraightenmeout.

WhatIknownowisthatIhavetochangemyselftofittheprogram.IfIchangetheprogramtofitme,I’mintrouble.Theprogramwilllast,butImightnot.It’smethatneedschanging.Nottheprogram.Theprogramisjustfinethewayitis.Ican’taffordtomesswithit.

Iwastaught,againbythoseearlymembers,thatourTwelveSteps,whenboileddowntowhattrulymatters,advisemetoletgoofself-will,findaPowerbeyondmyself,andgetmyrearendoutofthehousetodoservice.

Thisprogramgavemeorderanddiscipline,andtaughtmehowtowalkthroughverydifficultsituations–withalittlemoregrace,ease,courage,andanabsenceofself-pity.Icontinuetowalkwithmydearbrotherthroughhiscancerjourney.Iamcurrentlysupportingmywifewhosemothernolongerhasmuchmemory,andherbrother,becauseofastrokeandheartattack,whoneedsassistedliving.Igrandparent,andsupportmytwoyoungerdaughtersincollege.Ikeepabusinessafloat.Ishowupforserviceontheboardandinmylocalfellowship,inmyownimperfectway,justaswealldo.SomedaysIfindmyselfsittinginmyquiettimeorinthearmsofmywife,


sobbing.Butthepainpasses.Eachday,Iputmyfoodonthescale,callanewcomerwhoneedssomeencouragement,andcontinuetowalkwithjoythroughthislife.Thisprogramistheconstant,amidstthevastvariableofchangesinmylife.

#3.RememberthetwomostimportantwordsintheTwelveSteps.Thefirstistheworddecision.ThedaythatImadeadecisiontocomeintothisprogram,togofrombeing“around”ittobeing“in”it,wasthedaythatmylifechangedforever.Lastnight,thedecisionImadeastowhatIwouldbeeatingtoday,madethisdayadayworthliving.Adecisiontoreplaceself-pitywithgratitudewillchangemywholeoutlook.AdecisiontoletgoandletGodtakecareoftheresultsinmylifeopensadoortoanewexistence.I’velearnedhere,thatasingledecisioncanchangethecourseofyourlife.

TothisdayIhavekeptanotewrittentomemorethanfifteenyearsagobyoneofmydaughterswhenshewasinelementaryschool[she’snowincollege].Icameintoprogramwhen

shewasinpre-school.Ithinkshehadunknowinglypickeduponsomeofmyself-criticismandguilt,andinresponse,leftmeanoteonmydeskonenightuponreturnfromameetingwhenIhadmissedoneofhersoccergames.Ihavekeptthisnotealltheseyears,hopingonedayitmaybevaluabletosomeone.Hereiswhatshewrote:

“Iunderstand,Popsidoodles,thatyoumissmysoccergamesbecauseyouarelearningtobeabetterperson.Ifyoucametomysoccergames,butmissedyourmeetings,youwouldbemean,nasty,andNOTaverygoodperson.Foodmakesyougrumpyifyoueattoomuchunhealthystuff.IloveyouverymuchandIhopeyoudon’tchange.Love,Hayley.”

Mytwoyoungestdaughtersgrewupinarecoveryfamily.MyoldestdaughterwassixteenwhenIcameintoprogram,sonowexperiencesmylivingamends.Asforthetwoyoungest,theysawthatIhadmadeadecisiontoputmyrecoveryfirstinordertotakecareofthoseIlove.Thesetwodaughtersarenowtwoyoungladieswholivelivesofintegrity.Theycanbecountedon.Theyarehonestand,toalargedegree,unselfish.Theyaretrustworthy,womenofstrongcharacter.Theylivebythesameprinciplesthattheirfatherhasbeentaughtinthisprogram.Theywereofcoursealsogiventheirfoundationbyanamazingmother.Buttheywereraisedbyafatherwho,thoughfarfromperfect,madeadecisiontolivealifeofrecovery,andwhowasthereforeabletosetanexampleofhonorandofputtingfirstthingsfirst.BythegraceofGodandFA,Ihavebeenabletobreakthecycleofaddiction,depression,andragethatIinheritedfrommyupbringing,andmodelstrong,imperfectcharacterformychildrenandgrandchildren.BreakingthatviciouscyclewillalwaysbewhatIconsidertobethegreatestaccomplishmentofmylife.

Certainabilitiesbelongonaresumé,andcertainvirtuesbelonginaeulogy.Ifyoustopandthinkaboutit,it’sthequalitieswritteninaeulogythataretheonesthattrulymatterandtheonesthatweseektodevelopinthisprogram.Aswelearninthe24HourADaybook[May2],we“mustbe,beforewecando.Toaccomplishmuch,bemuch.Inallcases,thedoingmustbetheexpressionofthebeing.Itisfoolishtothinkthatwecanaccomplishmuch…withoutfirstpreparingourselvesbybeinghonest,pure,unselfish,andloving”-alleulogyvirtues.Andallthisstartswithasimpledecision...


SincecomingintotheprogramIhaveaskedmyshareofwhyquestions:Earlyon,Iwouldaskquestions,like,“Whyaretheresomanydifferentfoodplans?Whydon’tIgettoeat‘those’kindsofvegetablesandproteins?Whydon’ttheyreturnphonecalls?AndmorerecentlyIhavebeenaskingwhytherearesomanyfactionsnowthattearawayattheunityofourprogram.WhyaretheresomanydifferentkindsofAWOLformats?Whycan’twestaycloser,asafellowship,toourroots?

Inresponsetomyrecentinquiries,arelativenewcomergavemeagreatpieceofadviceabouttheconsequencesofwhyquestionsinthiscontext.“WhatI’velearned,”shesaid,“isthatwhysleadtowhining,andwhiningleadstoself-pity.”

Goodadviceindeed.Makeadecisiontoworkthekindofprogramthatyouknowisrightforyouandkeepthefocusonyourownplate!“Godblessthem;Godchangeme.”

Thesecondmostimportantwordinthe12Stepsis,inmymind,thewordcare.WeareturningourlifeovertothecareoftheGodofourownunderstanding.Notethatitdoesn’t,inStep3,talkaboutthejudgmentorcriticismorpunishmentofGod.No,Step3usesthewordcare.Noneofuswouldbeheretodayifsomebodyhadn'ttakentimetocarefullyexplainthingstous,togiveusalittleencouragement,tocareenoughtakeustoameetingortwo,tocarefullydonumerouslittlekindandthoughtfulactsinourbehalf.

Carehelpsmeexperiencethepromiseofthisnewkindofhappiness,whichisactuallynothappinessatall,butjoy.Inprogram,Ilearnedthedifferencebetweenjoyandhappiness.Happinessisgettingwhatyouwant.Joyisgivingitaway.Happinessisbuyinganewwardrobethatwecanfitinto.Joyiswearingitoutwiththepeoplethatmattertous.Happinessisgettingfoodaddedtoourfoodplan.Joyisnotcaringwhetherornotwegetitadded.Happinessisbeingloved.Joyislearningtolove.Happinessisfleeting.Joylasts,andlasts,andlasts.

Beinginrecoveryopensmyheartandteachesmeabouthowtocare.Bypracticingcare,whichmeansclearboundaries,clearprinciples,andanopenheart–withallfriendsandfamilyinourfellowship-IhavebeenabletowalkwithmybrotherHalthroughthehorridjourneyofbraincancer:cleaninghim,shavinghim,helpingtofeedhim,gentlymassaginghisfeetandhishands,andhelpinghimmakethetransitionfromhisbedtohiswheelchair.Thesehavebeendifficulttasks,butIhavefoundimmensejoyinsimplybeingtherewithhimandforhim.LearningtotrulycareandlovesomeoneiswhatIamlearninghere–byputtingsixouncesofvegetablesonthescale,takingphonecalls,andgettingtocommittedmeetings-evenwhenIdon’tfeellikeit.

Wearealldoingthebestwecan,ladiesandgentlemen,withwhereweare,andpatienceandkindness–care-isrequired.Weareall,inrecovery,enjoyingtheblessingsofanimperfectlife.

JustlastweekIgotatextfromabrandnewcomerfromChina.“IamnervousfortalkinginEnglish,”shetextedme,“causemyOralEnglishispoor.IreadyourstoryintheFAbook.Urstoryencouragemealot.Iadmirethatyousticktoeataccordingtofoodplanevenwhenuwerepregnantanddehydration…”


Thisisbeautiful!Awilling,humblenewcomeronthefrontier,reachingoutforaconnection,despitelanguagedifferences,inherownimperfect,human,andhonestway–asweallare-andconnectingwiththelanguageoftheheart.

FromtheBIGBOOKofAlcoholicsAnonymous[pagexxii]weread,“InspiteofthegreatincreaseinthesizeandthespanofthisFellowship,atitscoreitremainssimpleandpersonal.Eachday,somewhereintheworld,recoverybeginswhenonealcoholictalkswithanotheralcoholic,sharingexperience,strengthandhope.”

ThegoverningbodythatispresentinthisroomiswhatBillW.referredtoastheGuardiansofourfellowship.Thewaythatweexercisethatguardianshipbeginsbytakingcareofourownindividualrecovery.Weareall–eachandeveryoneofus-inthelifelongbusinessofrelapseprevention.Withthiscommitmentinmind,weareboundtohaveavitalinterestinthepermanenceandwell-beingofFAitself–becausewedependuponitforoursurvival.

Easydoesit,everyone,inyourtravelshomeandinthetransitionbacktoyourfamilies,communities,andfriends.Alwaysremember:Theprobleminfrontofyouisneverasgreatasthepowerbehindyou.

Iwanttothankyou,onceagain,forthisopportunityandtheprivilegetoserveandgrowinthisposition.

Besafe,andmayGodbewithyouuntilwemeetagain.

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