Tara P. at the East Coast Convention – 1997

About This Speaker Tape

East Coast Convention - 2014

The conversation shifts from the 'cute' topics of recovery to the gritty mechanics of the 7th 8th and 9th Traditions. Michael J. admits to the habit of tossing a single dollar in the basket for years even as his income grew while Tara P. reflects on the therapeutic value of one addict helping another without the interference of professional degrees. They dismantle the idea of 'professional' recovery with Tara P. recalling how she once functioned as both a bookkeeper and a dope dealer in her small town. The narrative moves through the necessity of self-support to avoid the 'attachments' of outside money and the importance of keeping business meetings separate from recovery meetings so that a newcomer desperate to stop using isn't bogged down by talk of treasurers and policy. It is a study in how the fellowship survives not through organization but through a shared non-professional commitment to the primary purpose.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Michael J. opens by discussing the lack of audience for Tradition workshops compared to 'cute' topics.
• 5:45 Michael J. discusses the 7th Tradition and the danger of depending on outside contributions.
• 10:12 Laughter: Michael J. recounts his time as a CNA wiping butts for minimum wage.
• 15:30 Michael J. explains the funding split between literature sales and donations.
• 22:10 Michael J. discusses the 8th and 9th Traditions and the role of service boards.
• 28:45 Tara P. begins her share, discussing how her sponsor pushed her toward the Traditions.
• 35:15 Tara P. discusses the spiritual principle of faith in relation to the 7th Tradition.
• 42:20 Tara P. shares a story about an AA member bringing her a Basic Text in jail.
• 48:10 Laughter: Tara P. describes the tension and clashing that occurs during business meetings.
• 53:40 Tara P. discusses the 'therapeutic value' of non-professional recovery and her history as a dope dealer.
• 58:15 Tara P. emphasizes the importance of keeping business out of recovery meetings for the sake of the newcomer.