Do You Care Enough?

Central Bulletin May, 1969

For a long time, in many areas, we hear the plaint “AA has changed. It isn’t like it used to be.” Further inquiry reveals sadness and dismay on the quality of present-day sponsorship, an almost total ignorance of the traditions and utter indifference to their application, the format of AA meetings, the intermingling of AA Groups and Clubs and the numerous self-appointed power-drivers who operate AA groups and non-AA programs in the name of AA and speak publicly for AA.

We believe there is some validity in all these observations, and can attribute part of it to “changing times” – membership growth- and the development of other agencies and treatments for alcoholics, plus a reduction of public stigma and the fact that so many older, personally indoctrinated members have passed from the scene. AA seems no longer – The Last Port of Call!

There is a tendency for new people to regard AA in much the same light as other fraternal groups, with the belief that there must be people in “authority” to “run” things. It is also natural for certain egocentric individuals to respond and endeavor to assume the mantle of authority.

The phenomenal growth of AA finds many new groups and areas without experienced members to suggest, advise and explain the reasons for certain procedures. Too often meetings do turn into “bull-sessions” or repetitious drunk-a-logs that become boring and distasteful.

We believe that co-founder Bill W.’s advice: “SHOEMAKER, STICK TO THY LAST! ” … should be heeded more now than ever before. Six months or six years sobriety in AA doesn’t make us all experts, or qualify us to run hospitals, treatment centers, state programs or industrial programs. Other talents and aptitudes are essential. AA assures us of only ONE thing… a life without the need to use alcohol.

Perhaps some of the confusion comes from the concept that everything changes and some may feel the need to modernize AA, its format and objective. However, we believe that “principles” are not subject to clock or calendar … and AA is nothing more nor less than a set of principles.

Our other co-founder, Dr. Bob said it all when he pointed out that the 12 Steps are simply, LOVE and SERVICE.

The reason, we feel, that there has been such a change in the approach to sponsorship, is the fact that too many of us now don’t care enough! It is too easy to shunt a newcomer into a treatment center and rationalize on the follow-up. In bygone days, if the sponsor didn’t care to give of himself… of his time and his love… the alcoholic had no recourse except to return to drunkenness and oblivion.

There were no treatment centers, no referral centers, no hospitals or doctors who would bother with a sick alcoholic. And, out of sheer gratitude, most alcoholics in AA wanted to carry the message and cared enough… to do whatever they could to help.

AA seems to be suffering from a dangerous case of “human” shortcomings, egocentricity, selfishness, apathy and ignorance.

We feel too that it is serious enough for all of us to consider the very real possibility that this may be the seed that could blossom into the dissolution of our society. For the ONLY thing that can destroy AA is us. Destruction can only come about through our disunity. This is why voluntary adherence and knowledge of the 12 Traditions is so essential to our existence, for there is no authority that can legislate unity and singleness of purpose. We are subject only to one ultimate authority… a loving God, as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants… they do not govern.

When we adhere to the unalterable principles of the 12 Steps voluntarily, truth and humility are essential in application. and positive results are inevitable. Deviation, or abandonment also bring inevitable results, but of a negative nature. The same set of principles is involved in our group adherence (merely a group of individuals) to the 12 Traditions, calling for an even greater degree of humility and self-discipline. In this way the group conscience is truly sensitized.

If we would stay whole… if we are to fully meet our responsibilities and even more importantly, if we are to survive… we have no choice but to try to abide by the suggestions of all the experiences of all those who have gone before us.

When a sick alcoholic needs help… anywhere… anytime… under any circumstances… and wants it… do we care enough to go all the way with him? How much… do you care?

-Railbeams, St. Paul, MN.