Being Anonymous in Meetings

There are over 300 12 step fellowships today. The majority if not all follow the lead of Alcoholics Anonymous, that of anonymity. The original idea behind this is to protect its members, especially newcomers. From the social stigma associated with the general perceptions from mainstream society, of the perceived image associated with the word “alcoholic”. Let’s face the facts, what is the image that comes to mind when you hear the word alcoholic and/or addict , most people, even those in recovery, when we first came to meetings, are not positive images or the kind of people we want in our homes or to be associated with. This aspect of being anonymous was there so that the newcomer could feel safe coming to a meeting without the fear of being pointed out and/or shunned because of their affliction. Or that no one member would violate someone’s anonymity outside the meeting. And let us not be so ignorant as to think that this has changed very much today, even among the educated and so-called enlightened, the stigma is still there, outside the fellowship, even of those who are “clean and sober.” However this was done to protect us from outside, judgement and stigma, not within our own ranks. If we are to follow the principles and learning’s of the 12 step program, why would you choose to remain anonymous inside the very fellowship that has saved your life? Dr. Bob wrote about this very issue... Dr. Bob said (paraphrased): "...remaining unknown inside the fellowship is as much a violation of (the principle of) anonymity as being known outside the fellowship..." (READ the literature). It was also stated to remain anonymous> at the level of Press, Radio and Television. Tradition Eleven Have you ever had a friend in the meetings who has gone to the hospital, it is very difficult to go to the information desk at a hospital and ask for Bill C. as well what about the insecure newcomer who wants to call you after losing your number, or afraid to ask for it. Find Bill C.’s phone number in the phone book. Most of all if you have gained some semblance of clean time. What or whom are you hiding from? You can’t use the 12 tradition to hide behind. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities. This basically comes down to We do what is right, No matter with whom, what, where we are dealing with we must always endeavour to do what is right. One of the best examples of this I have witnessed was on an episode of M.A.S.H... It was an episode in which Charles Emerson Winchester (snob and rich, arrogant character of the show) made a trip during Christmas at night to drop presents and food off at the local village orphanage, under the cover of night, so that the gift be anonymous. Doing the right thing, for the right reasons without out the need of praise and/or recognition, no matter who is involved. Because it is the right thing to do.

Remember God does not create garbage