Why We Don’t Judge the Sincerity of the Newcomer – Norma A.

About This Speaker Tape

A fine mesh fence once surrounded the early days of AA designed to keep out the 'odd ones'—the prisoners the asylum inmates and the 'fallen women'—to protect a fragile terrified sobriety. Norma A. breaks down Tradition 3 arguing that any person who says they are an alcoholic is a member regardless of their crimes or emotional wreckage.

She recounts the story of Ed a man in a dress and lipstick who was nearly thrown out of a New York club by 'lounge lizards' until Bill W. intervened. Through a series of readings from the 12 and 12 and the Language of the Heart she warns that the only thing capable of destroying the fellowship is the alcoholic ego and the desire to be judge jury and executioner.

The focus remains strictly on the desire to stop drinking leaving other complications to be handled elsewhere ensuring the door remains wide open for the one who is truly desperate.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Norma A. introduces Tradition 3 and the principle of inclusive membership.
• 2:15 Discussion of the 'mile long' list of rules used by early groups to protect themselves from 'odd ones'.
• 4:10 The story of Ed, the newcomer in a dress and lipstick, and Bill W.'s intervention.
• 6:30 Reading from the Language of the Heart regarding members with drug problems.
• 8:15 The account of the Akron member with a stigmatized addiction and the question 'What would the master do?'
• 11:00 Analysis of the 'AA door' and the fact that a member joins on their own say-so.
• 14:20 Discussion of the 'priceless' gift of AA and the prohibition of using the AA name for other affiliations.
• 17:10 Warning against the alcoholic ego and the danger of inner divisions.
• 19:00 Norma A. discusses her experience as a sponsor helping newcomers identify where they need help.
• 21:00 Closing reflections using the Grapevine Inventory and the nature of the Traditions.