Little Rock Plan Gives Prospects Close Attention

Little Rock Plan Gives Prospects Close Attention

From Grapevine©, September 1947, pgs 4-5.

(Following is another of the reports published from time to time by The AA Grapevine on group methods and techniques. The reports, in addition to correlating information on group activities, show how varied are the methods and techniques followed by different groups in different parts of the country and how policies which might not work in one area or work in another.)

From Little Rock, Ark.

Greater Little Rock AA was seven years old last March and has helped establish most of the groups within the state. More than five hundred men and women have been initiated into AA through the Little Rock Approach Plan since its creation seven years ago when five men got together and began to use the book, Alcoholics Anonymous, which had just been published.

It is interesting to note that of these men, the founders of the movement here, all are alive and only one ever had a relapse. They are living, walking proof of the statement that "it works."

Records Carefully Kept

The Little Rock Plan was, we believe, the first of its kind in the country. By adhering strictly to the "Plan" hundreds have been brought into AA and because this group has kept accurate records and statistics, we can report that our success is better than the national average of 75%; or to put it another way, our "slip" record is lower than the 25% expected and reported from other groups over the country.

It is not easy to become a member of this group. When a person has expressed a desire to achieve sobriety and has had a sponsor appointed for him, he must leave his work or position for at least two weeks. Usually the prospect is required to spend that entire time within the confines of the club rooms, studying, preparing a case history, meeting and filing assignments laid out by the sponsor.

If, after two weeks, he has discharged his assignments to the satisfaction of his sponsor, he is brought before the executive committee and there his request for membership is presented by his sponsor in his presence. In some instances, because of the peculiarity of the case, he may not be admitted for varying periods as high as six months in some cases. However, if he is deemed eligible by the committee, he is brought before the next meeting, receives a warm welcome, is handed a copy of the "Approach Program" and the 12 Steps.

This is not all, however. We do not simply say, "Now here you are, you have had it all, go your way, and may God bless you." No, we do not cut him off in mid-air, so to speak. We give him a small diary and ask that each day thereafter for 28 days, he record his impressions of the day, any event, whether a happy one or a sad one, and enter therein, "I have not taken a drink this day," and sign his name.

At the end of this period he returns the diary to the club, is again welcomed and is admitted in full membership, the privilege of the ballot and an unrestricted part in the activities of the fellowship. He is then assigned to a squad, given some definite task, and encouraged to work, guided by some older member, with new prospects.

In dealing with the new man, here are other procedures. First of all, in addition to being required to adhere strictly to the assignments required by his sponsor, he serves his apprenticeship in what is known as "The Prospect Squad." Here he learns from a squad leader various phases of the work of AA, mingles with other neophytes, hears their experience and contributes his own. If he needs guidance or advice this is where he gets it, along with other new men seeking the way out.

There is the "slip squad," where the man who has suffered a setback, no matter how severe or how light, must serve from two weeks to six months before he is again recognized as a full fledged member. Often the slippee is assigned tougher, more strenuous assignments than when he first was admitted. Here he discusses the slip freely with those men, who like himself, have "missed the boat" somewhere down the line. He tries to find out why he made the mistake and learns again that "to err is only human" and that a slip in the beginning is not uncommon, certainly not fatal.

The executive committee is comprised of representatives from each squad. The squads meet once a week on nights other than the regular meeting and transact the actual business of the Fellowship.

We spend much time in planning and executing the new man's graduation from the freshman stage. We carry him slowly and carefully through the "Prospect Squad"; admit him to membership; keep our contacts with him through that critical period, the first month or so, through his daily diary; put him in a squad after he becomes a full member and then if he slips, put him through again (and again if necessary) by way of the "Slip Squad."

Credit is due the State Hospital and Fort Toots, one of the Southwest's largest veterans' hospitals, where we have complete cooperation from the entire staff of doctors and psychiatrists. From Fort Roots especially, come more and more men, having been told by the psychiatrists, "We can do nothing for you, your best bet is AA. It works." The courts of law in Arkansas in general and Little Rock in particular without exception lend a willing ear and helping hand to unfortunates who stand before the court and even so much as intimate that they would like to quit drinking. While we have gone far and progressed much, no small amount of credit is due to all these factors plus the attitude of all business men of this city.

-G.H.R.

Actual Pamphlet
- CONTACT -

A prospect should never be approached unless he personally has requested an interview; the only exception being a person whom you personally know. When a member of the family or the friend of a prospect requests you to contact him, advise that such an unsolicited contact would be unsatisfactory and might result in creating such a prejudice in the mind of the prospect that he would not later request help from AA. In such case, explain the AA Program to the friend or family and secure for them a copy of the Saturday Evening Post Story. Suggest that this be given the prospect and that he be told that if he desires more information about the program, he should contact a member of Alcoholics Anonymous.

(If a prospect is a friend, you may handle the contact in a way best suited to the status of your friendship. However, in contacting a friend, it is suggested that the best results can be obtained by merely telling him in an impersonal way, what AA has done for you. Refrain from creating an impression that you are trying to obtain his acceptance of the program. If he is ready for the program he will evidence it by asking questions.)

If he does not evidence this interest, he is doubtless not ready and you will accomplish no real lasting results by attempting to "sell" the program. You will have done all that is possible by making the program available to him, and the chances are that it will not be long before he will seek you out for more information.)

FIRST INTERVIEW

Your principle objective in the first interview is to establish in the mid of the prospect the fact that you have a sympathetic understanding of his problem and that this understanding springs from the fact that you have yourself had the same problem. You can accomplish this understanding by being certain to tell the prospect your history.

If the prospect is in the throes of a hangover, determine the seriousness of it. If his physical condition requires a drink, first get him to his home or room and then see that he gets a drink. However, the sooner the liquor is cut off the better. Tapering off methods are usually unsuccessful unless rigidly administered to the patient. If he is not in shape to talk, your first problem is to help him to get over his hangover.

When the prospect is in a physical condition to talk, begin by telling him of your alcoholic problem, of your drinking experiences, and try to get him to talk of his. Then tell him something of your experience worth AA and explain the program as you see it.

The program discussion should end with the propounding of these questions:

1. Are you in your own mind convinced that you cannot handle you alcohol problems?
2. Are you willing to let a group of fellows who have had the same problems prescribe a course of treatment for you?
3. Are you willing to do A4NYTHING to eliminate alcohol entirely from your life?
4. Do you believe in a power greater than the power of man?

If the prospect answers these questions in the affirmative then tell him that AA has the answer to his problem, the same as it gave the answer to your problem and the problems of several thousands others and that you are sure that he would enjoy the book - "Alcoholics Anonymous", which you will leave with him if he is ready to read it.

(If the prospect is sober when first contacted he must be required to get the Book himself, at the office of the Assisting Secretary at the Club Rooms or wherever you designate.)

If the prospect is not certain that he can answer the questions in the affirmative, tell him this is not unusual; but emphasize that it is necessary for him to be able to answer them honestly in the affirmative before the AA Program can be successful. Suggest that his hesitancy indicates he is thinking honestly and being honest both with himself and with you which is the first stone upon which the program is built.

Suggest that he think through what you have told him and meantime read the AA Book. If he accepts the book, emphasize that it must be read and returned in three days.

Handle the interview in such a way that you evidence a sympathetic understanding of his hesitancy to answer the question, yet at the same time be contrarily firm in saying to him that the program will not work successfully until and unless he is able to honestly answer the four basic questions in the affirmative; tell him that he is not quite ready for the program until he can accept wholeheartedly and believe in the affirmative answers; otherwise he might get the idea that the program will pull him through merely by exposure to it. In other words, do not try to sell the program. Let the prospect know that he must want the program above all else; And then if he does, you can assure him that his problem will be solved.

If the prospect is not ready to read the book in three days, do not insist. Tell him to call you in a few days and you will tell him how to secure a copy of the book.

You might ask him if you can have his permission to send other associates to call on him. At the next regular meeting of your squad make a brief report on the case.

Be sure that you have told the prospect you case history ad impress on the associates who are asked to call on the prospect that they each must above all else tell the prospect their case histories.

Should the prospect accept the book, impress on him that it must be completed (or returned if prospect secures book from secretary) on schedule. Explain that the reason should be obvious. Unless the solution of his alcoholic problem is sufficiently important to make the reading of the book the next most important step in his life, he has failed to recognize his situation. Also point out that the program is directed toward the building of a new way of life, that we alcoholics have formed many habits that must be replaced by new, constructive habits in order to build this new way of life; that one of the worst habits of an alcoholic is procrastination, and that we start out in the beginning to replace this habit with the habit of doing things when they should be done.

Before leaving the prospect tell him that you are asking him to make only three promises to himself and to you.

1. That he will read and study the book and will complete it within three days.
2. That if he feels that he has to take a drink before he has completed the book he will call you and wait until you get to him before he takes a drink. You in turn promise that you will get to him immediately on receipt of such a call and agree that if after talking to him he has to have a drink you will secure one for him. (Do not ask him not to take a drink.)

Then tell the prospect that you will see him at least once each day while he is reading the book.

If the prospect is up and in condition to be out and about when you locate him and is able to go to the Corresponding Secretary for the book, then it is all right for you to arrange to have the prospect meet you at some place and time mutually convenient each day during the time he is reading the book. (You may find it best to go to the home of the prospect for these interviews.)

In all cases write down your office and home telephone numbers for your prospect. At the next regular meeting of your Squad make a brief report on the case.

The prospect is your particular problem and other associates should not attempt to work with him unless you request it. It is your responsibility to see that the prospect carries out the program as outlined on schedule. No prospect (or any other person) is permitted to attend a regular group meeting until he has completed the Approach Program.

At any time during your association with the prospect, you are to seek advice of other associates, especially your Squad, should a problem arise which you are unable to handle alone.

AFTER FIRST INTERVIEW

Do not fail to arrange your call on the prospect at the end of the three day period assigned to reading the book at a time and place so that you and he will have a full discussion. Always be prompt in all of your appointments as you are requesting the prospect to be.

If the prospect is to call at your home or office at the expiration of the three day period - be available at the appointed time.

Discuss the book with him. Tell him of your reactions to it and listen attentively to his. Encourage him to elaborate on his drinking experiences. Then ask him again whether he can answer the four basic questions in the affirmative. If he still cannot, ask him if he would like to give you his reasons.

If you cannot convince him his reasoning is faulty, tell him that in your opinion he is not quite ready for the program. If he approves, give a full report of the case to one or two associates and ask them to make a call. Await further action until you have had a report from these associates.

If he still cannot truthfully give affirmative answers to the four basic questions, return and tell him to continue to think about the program and feel free to call you at any time in the future when he can honestly see the affirmative answers.

Then at the next regular Squad meeting, make a further report on the case. If, on the other hand, the prospect can answer the four basic questions in the affirmative, he is ready for the first test of his willingness to do ANYTHING to conquer his problem.

Should the prospect be unemployed, you advise him that the approach program requires complete attention to the Program and that he could not handle a job and the Approach Program at the same time. Make no promise as to how long it will take a prospect to complete the Approach Program.

The problem of employment must be dismissed entirely from his mind for the time being. He may protest against this. If so, you should tell him that the program in the beginning will require most of his time and thought, and that a search for employment or actual employment would conflict with the proper execution of his assignments and would be an attempt to solve his two problems at once. Emphasize that a job is of trivial importance so long as he has the problem that is certain to make him jobless. The Alcoholic Problem must first be eliminated. Cite the experience of Associates who have completed the Approach Program while jobless and then have experienced amazing economic progress; and the experiences of prospects who have failed on the program because a job was more important to them than the solution of their one big problem.

Should the prospect be employed, you advise him at this point (following the reading of the book) that the approach Program requires complete attention and that he could not handle a job and the Approach Program at the same time. Therefore, he must obtain a leave of absence from his job - if he desires to continue in his present position - or resign from the job - if he is dissatisfied with it. In case the prospect desires a leave of absence, he must go to his boss and tell him the true reason for the requested leave; that he has discovered he is an alcoholic, that he has an opportunity to conquer the problem through association with a group of alcoholics and that his first treatment is a program usually requiring three or four weeks of his entire time.

If, when this request is made, the boss declines the leave of absence, the prospect is to report the fact to you and you will at once call a special meeting of the Committee to deliberate on what steps must be taken.

The next step, after reading the book, is the case history. The prospect is requested to write a case history of his life in chronological order including his family background, his schooling, his martial experiences, if any; his employment, and a detailed account of his drinking, from the first drink up to the time of his contact with AA.

Explain that this is to be a frank, honest story of his life and that if he wishes, you will be the only one to see this history; that the way in which it is written, whether on typewriter, with pen or pencil; the form, the grammar, etc - all is immaterial, that what you want is for him to get everything down on paper so that it will enable you to help him get his mind free and his past cleaned up so that the can start a new life. Tell him the schedule on this is three days. Ask him to call you if he needs anything special during this time. Also you should see the prospect at least once each day or evening during this period. Also during this period, send other associates around to see the prospect.

When the prospect has finished his history, arrange to meet him so that you can spend at least two hours at a time and place that will enable you both to relax and talk frankly and fully. Have him read the history to you. Try to find his reasons and excuses for drinking and be able to point out to him the fallacies in them. Also look for the real cause of his Alcoholism. Be sure to impress at this time that he is now embarking on a program that will enable him to find a new way of life; that he is undertaking the program for himself alone, and not for his wife, for his family, for his economic good, or for any other reason.

Point out that he can solve no problem until he has solved his alcoholic problem, and that when that is solved he will find the solution to the other problems because his mind will then be freed.

Following the reading of the history, get a pencil and paper and make out a schedule of of activity for the prospect for the next seven days, but give the schedule to the prospect one day at a time. Emphasize to the prospect that he must report each day to you on the results of that day's work and to receive schedule for the succeeding day. Set a definite time and place for prospect to meet you each day.

ASSIGNMENTS

First - Make a list of his creditors. Have the prospect see the local creditors and explain to the creditors that he has found that he is an alcoholic; that he that he has been introduced to the Alcoholics Anonymous program and has undertaken to follow it, that he is sorry he has not paid his bill, that he is first going to get started on the treatment for his alcoholism and then obtain a job. He will return and discuss a plan for payment of the bill just as soon as he has completed the entrance program and obtained employment.

Second - If the prospect has creditors outside the city have him write them and explain the situation in the manner outlined for the personal credit contacts 'above'.

Third - Make a list of all former employers for whom the prospect has worked during the time of his abnormal drinking. Have him see each one located in Little Rock and write those located outside of Little Rock. In either the personal calls or the letters it should be explained that he has discovered he is an alcoholic, that he has found the AA Program and is undertaking to follow it, and is putting the first steps into practice by coming around (or writing) to say he is sorry for the fact that he was drinking excessively while working for him, etc.

Do not fail to emphasize to the prospect that he must in every letter or interview say that he is not looking for employment at this time. He must state that he is not ready for employment and intends to devote is efforts to a recovery from alcoholism until such time as his progress is satisfactory to the AA group.

Fourth - Make a list of all people to whom the prospect owes apologies and/or against whom he holds resentments or dislikes.

Fifth - Make a list of old friends (not drinking acquaintances) with whom the prospect has not had very close contact in recent months due to his drinking, but with whom the prospect would again like to be on friendly terms. (In the list of assignments have the prospect see at least one of these each day.)

Sixth - Give the prospect a list of names, addresses, etc., of members of the group and ask him to see at least one member of the group each day and discuss with him for a few minutes his progress, troubles, etc. Out of the foregoing information and such other necessary clean-up steps as the prospect's history and your discussion with him indicates advisable, give the prospect enough assignments each day to keep him busy that day and continue to do this until completed. Seventh - Interspersed with other assignments for the second week should be the following lectures which should be taken only in this order:

1st day- "There is a Solution"
2nd day- "More about Alcoholics"
3rd day-"How it Works"
4th day- "Into Action";
5th day- "Working With Others"
6th day- "A Vision for you".

The associates who will give the foregoing lectures will be assigned by the Committee.

Have him report to you once each day so that you can check over his list of assignments, give him any helpful suggestions and so forth. This is the time when you have the opportunity to do your greatest service. The ultimate success and the solution of the prospect's problem depends much on the sincerity with which you take the time daily to encourage the prospect to "do the best you can this day".

If you are not sincere and helpful to the prospect you can not expect him with a brain befogged by alcohol, to get the habits upon which the success of this program depends. Slips can be traced almost always to the failure of the prospect during the first thirty days to get his mind entirely clear of old troubles and of doing something about the program each day on schedule.

Eighth - When the prospect has seen all of his creditors (or written them), his boss and ex-bosses, and has made his apologies, ask him if he has talked the program over fully with his wife; if he has had an honest heart-to-heart talk with her and made all possible amends to her. If he has not, suggest that he do that immediately, and that from then on he should talk over his progress on the program daily with her so that she can begin to under- stand fully the program and will begin to know that she has a part in the program. (It is desired that the wife read the book.)

Ninth - He is then ready to select some minister, priest, rabbi, and or practitioner and go to him for an interview, explain that it is not necessary for him to join a church and that he may tell the clergyman that he is not ready to join a church. The interview with the minister is for the purpose of a "confession" and the assurance a minister can give that God, as the prospect understands Him, is forgiving. He should read his case history to the minister, should explain in detail has problem, giving his understanding of AA and tell the minister what he is doing in putting the program in effect. He must go to the limit (beyond his case history) and confess every wrongdoing to the minister so that his heart and mind will be completely cleaned out.

Following the fulfillment of the foregoing steps, you should arrange to submit your prospect to the Committee at the next group meeting. The Committee may make any suggestions it thinks necessary, and may make some additional assignments.

Or, as is usually the case, the Committee may approve the Squad recommendation and bring the prospect before the group for vote on admittance. With admittance, the prospect is a Junior Member until he has attended twelve consecutive weekly meetings of the group, then he is a full member.

This Approach Program should be available and of easy access at all times to the associate. Do not hesitate to refer to it at any time during work on a prospect. If it is necessary to refer to it in the prospect's presence be sure to do so rather than make any mistakes. Above all study this program and put it into effect - you will find that if you follow it to the letter you will be successful in handling your prospect.

USA

This section is primarily intended for contributions we receive from the USA

29/11/09

Some observations on the "Recovery Business"

"While your current plague of 'AA' dog and pony shows does involve money as a motive, many such groups don't. Prestige, authority, a sincere belief that the 'right kind' of AA needs to be carried to the heathen; these may be more common, and even more insidious.

'Joe and Charlie' acolytes and Pacific Group clones are recruited face to face more often than at 'shows.' Our local Big Book Comes Alive folks make a great to-do about not being paid (they sell and raffle CDs of AA swamis instead).

Whether they go into the biz or not, attendees at these events are lead to believe that there is a 'secret sauce' version of AA which is somehow more real or 'better than' the real article. The AA they advocate is always one that involves charismatic leadership, abusive styles of sponsorship, overt religiosity and requirements for conformity and obedience from the newcomer.

This is the AA of pre-Tradition power-drivers like Clarence S. of Cleveland, not the post-Tradition AA formed to avoid the tragic errors of such groups."

(as usual our thanks to this AA member for their contribution)

18/10/09

A few observations from the States

Pacific Group:

"The anti-medication madness has little support locally, when mentioned it is usually decried. Out here the notion is ascribed to Clancy and his 'Pacific Group' in Southern CA. This group is notorious for abusive sponsorship and groupthink. Jackets and ties/skirts or dresses are required for meeting attendance, gurus have scores of sponsees who dress alike and perform chores for sponsors etc. etc."

The 'Oxford Group' and 'Moral Re-Armament':

"Another recommendation. For those who only know of the Oxford Group through AA, Tom Driberg's expose The Mystery of Moral Re-Armament is a must. Rereading it lately, I find I missed Driberg's repeated hints that Frank Buchman was a self-hating homosexual. Also, no one approaching the OG/MRA would have had any reason to expect any help for alcoholics. MRA was strictly concerned with money property and prestige. Nowadays, the latest incarnation of MRA takes responsibility for founding AA, and claims NOT to be a religious organization!"

Gresham's Law

"......Gresham's Law & Alcoholics Anonymous article, by Tom P. senior, 1974, may be a primary source for the success claims nonsense. Certainly Mr P is certain that HIS new program does it the 'right way.' I wrote to them, and after 50 years in existence, All Addicts Anonymous doesn't even try to maintain a meeting list. The magic formula only seems to work in their treatment center/commune/work camp in upstate New York."

Not God:

"Ernest Kurtz's history, published variously as Not God, and AA the Story, alludes to a long standing strain between OG dominated 'Akron' AA and 'New York' AA, he even identifies geographical zones associated with each."

Joe and Charlie [well known circuit speakers]:

"Your own 'Enquiry into Primary Purpose/Back to Basics' paper [see site] identifies Joe and Charlie as wellsprings of cultishness. They seem to link quite directly to 'Back to Basics.' ...."

Note: "The excellent 'An Enquiry Into...' needs a correction. The author confuses the First ed. Big Book with the pre-publication multilith version. This, with its intensely prescriptive and religious language, is widely promoted as somehow 'purer' or 'realer' than the actual Big Book. Of course the multilith was rejected by the original membership until modified to the form we know."

'The Pod People':

"....near San Francisco, we have another cultish subgroup called the 'pod people' (Invasion of the Body Snatchers and all that) This group defines the 'program' as consisting of a daily written 10th step and not much else. Members avoid non-pod meetings, poach for sponsees, and speak in an annoyingly uniform style--even imitating the grating giggle of their original guru. There are many rumors of sexual misdeeds. Sponsors require their sponsees to PAY to receive meditation mantras from Transcendental Meditation (and receive kickbacks)."

Some features of the cult operation in the US:

"Promotion of fundamentalist Christianity (this may be more overt in the US).

Distorting AA history to attempt to whitewash the Oxford Group.

Promoting compulsory (and usually abusive) sponsorship.

Obsessive reading of 9th step 'promises' at every meeting."

Finally, our contributor comments: "I had my 21st birthday last month. Over the last 5-10 years I have been increasingly bothered by odd new mannerisms posing as 'old' or 'real' AA. As an atheist, I tended to downplay my discomfort as hypersensitivity, and the cultishness as part of the general rise of the religious right in the US. Examining the 'Joe and Charlie' and 'Back to Basics' material convinced me that a quasi-organized movement to suborn AA was in action."

03/02/09

A marathon discussion post on the Midtown problem

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/rawfisher/2007/07/midtown_group_aa_group_leads_m.html

This one will need a lot of stamina - and a very resilient stomach - but a scan through will give you the general idea - this is the problem - guess what the solution is??

You are!!

17/01/09

A communication from the USA (and our response) Look for the similarities!

“Thanks for the fast and very informative response! I will follow up with a more detailed look at your site. It sounds like there is a lot of information on the site, and I'm looking forward to taking a look.

And, there is a "Joys of Recovery" meeting about 20 minutes from my house. I was a member there about 5-6 years ago. Then, a branch of their group started about 2 minutes from my house. The name of that group is "A Vision For You".

I was a member of AA for 14 years. About 7 years ago I made a friend with someone that I met in AA. He just moved to my city from Hawaii, and he was a "12 step nazi", so to speak. My new friend and I would go out and look for new meetings to go to and meet new people. That's when we stumbled upon the "Joys of Recovery" meeting. There was something always not quite right with the group, and I could never put my finger on it. But my new friend loved it because they stressed the importance of working the steps more than the other groups. Being that my friend had more sobriety than me, and I respected his sobriety (at the time), I started to attend these meetings with him. In a matter of weeks all of our friends from our regular group began to attend the "Joys" meeting. In a matter of no time we were all being sponsored by "Joys" sponsors.

My eyes finally opened to the weirdness of the group and I ran like hell. They would tell me not to talk to girls, call my sponsor everyday, not to go on the computer past 10:00pm (I was 27 years old at the time), not to talk to my best friend, go to a meeting everyday, get a newcomers number everyday and call them, stop taking medication (if you are on it), make their group my home group, and attend all their meetings every week.

After I left it was not long before the rest off my friends started to leave. One of them held on till almost a year later, but finally came to his senses. They now run the "Vision" group that is close to my house. It is still as clicky as the "Joys" group but not as weird. I do not attend AA anymore as a result of the negative side effects of parts of the program, that AA chooses not to look at.

Because of my time spent in AA and all the stuff I've seen in the program, it's made me do my research online. I've found a HUGE number of people that have had bad experiences with the program. Most of the bad experiences are very similar to mine. It has even pushed me to obtain a degree in psychology, which I never thought I would want to pursue. I have even in the past despised people that had a career in this field.

I know that you are current members of AA, and I am in no way bashing you for that. Just because I do not agree with the program in no way effects how I interact with its members. I encourage you to continue in your battle, in hopes that it opens eyes to the dangers of getting involved in a group that will not allow you to think for yourself. Good luck!

Michael T” (full name supplied in original email)

Our response:

“Dear Michael,

Glad that we could be of help. Your description of your encounter with the Joys is identical to their activities in the UK. We're sorry to hear that the experience put you off AA - that's essentially what we're trying to remedy with the site. We're also aware of the large amount of hostility that exists against AA. We believe that such a negative commentary can no longer be "written off" by the Fellowship as merely "resentments" on the part of disgruntled ex members. We're not trying to argue that it's all down to the cult but they certainly don't help the Fellowship as a whole make a contribution to alleviating human suffering - and that is what we're supposed to be doing - not causing more. We're also glad to hear that you are prospering. We'll put up your contribution on the site (name abbreviated as usual) but we'll be interested to hear if we get any more reactions from the States.

Cheers

The Fellas"

Sussex

12/02/10

News from Eastbourne and Sheppey

"Hello. My name's ....I was in the fellowship since last January at the Eastbourne “There is a solution” AA group. I found that certain practices were being used and having looked at your site - it is a very big issue. I'm glad to say that this meeting has now moved ..... I would be happy to go into what has gone on within this group...

I feel very strongly about this situation within AA. I've seen quite a few people join the "There is a solution" meeting only to realise it seems to be a religious Christian only meeting. I myself have been intimidated to the point I don't go to real AA meetings. I stood up to the main GSR who takes the group as a whole to church - her choice of church, to meetings that they sit and try to take over - the sick meetings as they call them. I've been told by a person who was sacked twice from the group as being evil! - trying to stop their meetings .... this made me feel like leaving .....I've been told by them when I was part off to not go alone to SICK meetings, stop my medication prescribed by my GP, to keep ringing newcomers everyday, put pressure on them to stay in the group. You are instructed to read Joe Mq [circuit speaker] 12 steps and other non AA material. Also forced to a talk given by American speaker in Croydon in the summer at a cost of £15 per ticket. A friend was forced to kneel and pray to god or leave group! A person who was forced to go to church, baptised even though does not believe in god and then sacked when pressure was too much they drank again. The list goes on. I hope that this in some way helps you. Many thanks for your time"

We've also been informed by another AA member that a group has set up in Sheppey (West Kent) going under the title of Road to Recovery. We've no confirmation yet whether this group forms part of the cult network which uses the AA name as a cover for its activities - but the group title is rather suggestive - we'd be happy to receive any further information which either refutes or confirms that connection

Cheers

The Fellas

(as usual our thanks to the contributors)

03/11/09

Latest from Eastbourne

Re: Eastbourne: There is a Solution

Friday 19.30 Elim Church, Hartfield Rd

“The "new" Thursday and Friday meetings in Eastbourne failed to get the required 2/3 majority to be voted out. The Hastings one was voted out. I have a feeling that this is not the end of the story - members of the Friday group in particular were not seen in "mainstream" meetings for a while, but have started popping up here and there, always in pairs.....”

This, by the way, is not an unusual tactic for the cult - when the going gets tough this lot go underground thinking that if they hide and keep very, very, very still we won't notice them any more. Then when the heat's off they get up to their little tricks again. Well - we've got news for you – that isn't going to work any more – the going's going to get tougher and tougher and ….

Finally it would seem that the aacultwatch Cult 'Where to Find' is not being greeted with universal approbation – hardly a surprise – but even so you'd think that the cult would be grateful to us for giving them all that free publicity – but it seems not – rather the reverse. So (and as usual in the spirit of seeking to be helpful) we can save all those outraged cult members the time and trouble of sending us emails containing those apparently standardised (and transparently emotionally manipulative) comments and questions flying our way.

Q: How can we sleep at night?

A: Like babies. We'd find it a lot harder to do so if we did stood by and did nothing while newcomers suffer (and in some cases die)

Q: Shouldn't we hang our heads in shame?

A: No. Rather the reverse in fact (see above answer)

Q: It's all just speculation and hearsay. You don't know what you're talking about?

A: Yes we do. It's all based on evidence supplied directly by aacultwatch members

Q: You're damaging AA unity and breaking the Traditions aren't you?

A: This is always an entertaining line of attack especially coming from the cult who are, after all, expert practitioners in both areas. AA unity is not going to be served by pretending that nothing is wrong with the Fellowship. The whole purpose of AA is to help the still suffering alcoholic. If we act in such a fashion that we not only fail to carry out this objective but indeed heap yet more suffering upon the new man or woman then what real function does AA have? Is there any point to its continued existence? Nor do we support the view that AA unity must be preserved at “any cost” - a ludicrous concept in itself and dangerous in its implications – we, as citizens, and as moral human beings, have a duty of care to our fellows which supersedes any adherence to a set of rules or guidelines. We operate within a wider community and are bound by its laws and by its socially and culturally defined principles. Any organisation that chooses to ignore the context within which it exists and fails to govern itself responsibly will finally come into conflict with those principles, and this to the detriment of all. Consequently the organisation degenerates to such a point that it functions only to perpetuate its own existence without regard to the welfare of its members or those it is supposedly serving, and is thus rendered both irreversibly corrupt and essentially redundant.

To conclude we would remind you of the AA pledge:

I am Responsible.
When Anyone, Anywhere
Reaches Out For Help,
I Want The Hand Of A.A.
To Always Be There.

And For That,
I Am Responsible !

The final question is: Do you want the hand of AA to be extended, or that of the cult? We've made our choice – it's up to you to make yours!

(As usual our thanks to the AA member for the info)

Cheers

The Fellas

30/09/09

And now over to East Sussex Intergroup.....

We received the following information from a correspondent in the area:

"I live in Eastbourne and have been dismayed by the emergence of three new groups within the last 10 months or so. They all appeared to be running along the lines described on AACultwatch. Recently, at least one of these groups has closed due to lack of participants, but at least one has made its way into the East Sussex Intergroup list of meetings. There may still be another one operating - these two run under the name "There is a solution".

These groups have been a frequent topic for discussion at group consciences during the last six months (I regularly go to most meetings in Eastbourne) and have sparked off lively debate at Intergroup meetings. Indeed, this coming Tuesday (Sept. 15) there will be an extraordinary Intergroup meeting to air the matter after the renewed decision to include the Friday "There is a solution" meeting to the meeting list.

I hope that you will update the "Cult: Where to find" and "Area news" sections to include the "There is a solution" meeting in Eastbourne on Fridays at 20.00. The meeting was held at the Oasis Centre, Christ Church, Seaside Road, Eastbourne, but will more next Friday to Elim Church, Hartfield Road, Eastbourne."

Subsequently we learnt that the Intergroup had an:

"......Extraordinary meeting of East Sussex Intergroup last Tuesday (15/09) ........, but what I have heard so far is that the Hastings meeting is now off the Intergroup meeting list with a 2/3 majority and no abstentions, whereas the Eastbourne meetings still stay on (both votes failed to reach the 2/3 majority by a vote or two - with one or two abstentions)."

It is not clear yet whether this removal of the Hastings group from the Intergroup meeting list also means that they have been effectively removed both from the Where to Find and the withdrawal of the right to have GSR participation etc.

However this action clearly indicates that IT IS POSSIBLE to remove a group from an Intergroup (kindly take note other Intergroups - especially West Kent - which is riddled with cult members!!). We trust this action sends out a message LOUD and CLEAR that a group cannot behave any way it likes and expect to continue in this fashion indefinitely. Frequently the (usually misquoted) defence of Tradition Four (group autonomy) has been used as a justification for all kinds of irresponsible and downright dangerous behaviour. What the cult groups have failed to realise up until now is that other groups too have the right of group autonomy, and they too can make decisions guided solely by their ultimate authority - and that one of those decisions may now include the right to remove a rogue element from the Fellowship, one which does NOT act for the welfare of the AA member nor for the Fellowship as a whole. Of course such a decision cannot stop a group from operating but at least they can no longer claim the support of AA. We fully expect that they will continue to "trade" off the AA name and reputation for as long as possible but finally they have no future.

　

Cheers

The Fellas

Surrey

05/03/10

Purley cult group

There's an absolutely scurrilous rumour doing the rounds that the Purley group (see our Cult: Where to Find) has finally been given the old heave-ho by North East Surrey Intergroup. Apparently they have become such a right royal pain in the you-know-what that all patience has expired. But never mind! They can always transfer their efforts to promoting that other side-line: the circuit speaker business. They now run a website advertising such notables as Bob D (whoever he is?) amongst others. And the blurb:

"Theme: Surrender

Acessing [sic] the power, spiritual principals [sic] in relationships, our primary purpose as the [sic] the way to freedom, how to survive the battle between ego and spirit, making amends and the mending of our separation"

Do we detect the faintest beginnings of psycho-babble here, or is it just our natural paranoia surfacing again!! Anyway for a tenner you can get two days worth of Bob holding forth on the above themes - well not really two days - more like a day and a bit - but never mind - if you can't get enough of Bob you can always click on the link to an audio file site and listen to Bob absolutely gratis. But if even Bob can't get your juices flowing then fear not for help is at hand! There's a whole procession of these worthies queueing up here, each one apparently quite desperate to impart their wisdom to us heathens. So following up on Bob's insight we'll be treated to Karl M (details to be announced), Mari G (tba) and finally, the crème de la crème, that well known import from the States, the venerable Myers R. Now if that lot can't get you sobered up then nothing will.

Cheerio

The Fellas

PS One thing that is particularly amusing about the site is the countdown meter - as of today it's only 106 days (or three months and fourteen days) before Bob regales us with his erudition. Can we hold out that long!! We think so - but only just!!

24/07/09

News from Mid Surrey Intergroup

The following has been circulated around meetings covered by that Intergroup by their Health Liaison Officer (name omitted):

　

"TO ALL GSR'S FROM ......
HEALTH LIAISON OFFICER MID-SURREY INTERGROUP

PLEASE READ OUT THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE AT YOUR NEXT GROUP MEETING

I am saddened and alarmed to advise that I have received a phone call today from SABIS [Surrey Alcohol Brief Intervention Service] advising me that one of their clients who has been referred out to AA has come back to them and said that they attended a local meeting and found a sponsor who then told them they could not continue to sponsor them if they were seeing an out-reach worker.

I explained that this is absolutely incorrect and flies directly in the face of our Traditions and the contents of the Big Book which clearly states that we do not give medical advice and that we work alongside professionals wherever possible.

This is extremely dangerous - particularly so when we have meetings aimed at newcomers or beginners where handing out such advice or instruction could prove fatal.

In the bigger picture it could prove disastrous if this type of misinformation circulates around the professional sector where we have quietly been working long and hard to establish healthy and respected contacts.

I would urge you all at your next Conscience Meeting to discuss and clarify once and for all this situation that could be potentially damaging not only to the newcomer but to AA as a whole.

I am very happy to attend any meeting in our Intergroup to assist in any way.

........
Health Liaison Officer"

Increasingly cult members and groups are not only telling newcomers to AA who are on medication that they are "unsponsorable" - or that they cannot recover if they are on medication - but also "suggesting" to them that they cannot be "taken through the programme" where they're undergoing some form of counselling by an outside agency. It's interesting to note that whereas aacultwatch in its contact with "outside agencies" makes a point of emphasising what the AA guidelines are on such questions (as indicated above by the Health Liaison, who seems to know what they're talking about) the cult groups, by comparison, regularly misrepresent AA and bring the Fellowship and its programme into disrepute, and most importantly cause completely unnecessary distress (in some instances leading to suicide) to those who come to us for help, and who are most vulnerable - the "newcomer".

Over to you

The Fellas

29/06/09

Some news from the North East Surrey Intergroup - Further Cult activity flagged up

(A contribution from a member as is - apart from surname editing)

"Trusted servants from the Purley Cult Experiment (There is a solution. Monday, Wednesday) have been trying to advertise their latest orgy of fundamentalist big book bashing and general AA hatred masquerading as a "spiritual retreat", on printed fliers which have found their way to meetings in the area. It was noted that although these conventions have nothing to do with NESIG, have not been funded by NESIG, nor indeed sanctioned in any way by NESIG there was no mention of this on the fliers.

One of the venues, The Friars, Aylesford, had been called and it was under the impression that it was hosting a convention sanctioned by Alcoholics Anonymous.

It was pointed out that the holding of and advertising of these conventions was a breach of Traditions 1 and 2 and Guideline 15 which among other things states:

"The decision to hold a convention ought to be made by the group conscience of the appropriate Intergroup or Region (The sponsoring body)"

It's a common theme on this website that Cult groups feign ignorance of the traditions that might otherwise impede their expansionist goals and Purley is no different in that respect - a juggernaut of self -will.

Since the "leaders" of the group are of the same bent, it is clear what kind of message is being passed down to newcomers through their pyramid sponsorship - the traditions aren't important. They were not included in the first edition of the Big Book is probably the thinking. Anyway the unfortunate sponsee is given a rigid interpretation of the book (take a look at their books -they are all annotated in the same way- spooky!) and a "my way or the highway" approach to the steps. Real AA meetings in the area are sometimes privileged to get an audience with the "shivering denizens" of Purley sponsorship. They turn up in two's or three's at meetings in the area, repeating robotic refrains about being happy, joyous and free and spouting third-hand platitudes about the big book, generally trying the patience of those in attendance. They are disconcerting individuals indeed. Sound familiar?

Anyway back to the distillation of wisdom, serenity and humility that is the Purley convention. It seems that there will be an American speaker involved. Isn't there always? Cult groups generally worship American circuit speakers and Purley is no exception, Mickey B. was involved in the setting up of the group and is a key "spiritual" figure - has anyone ever heard this odious character? Not clear what his agenda is, aside from rampant self-promotion. The suffering alcoholic certainly has to be in very poor shape to want anything that that man has. He also has an army of clones, Chuck G, Bob D etc that are willing to be flown over to the UK to tell us what we are doing wrong ( Does the newcomer know that this is where the money they put into the pot at Purley meetings goes?) Chris and Myers R. are also favourites - again unhinged AA haters - We believe that is from them that the idea that the AA preamble is only one person's opinion comes from, because it first appeared in an article in the Grapevine. (It is only recently that the Purley Wednesday group succumbed to pressure and started reading the preamble at the beginning of meetings - prior to that it was the foreword to the first edition.) Not sure what their beef is with the preamble - possibly they prefer the term "honest desire to stop drinking" that appears in the foreword to the 1st ed. They can use the phrase to filter out the unwilling -you won't follow suggestions - you haven't got an honest desire. Myers R.'s obsession is with qualifying alcoholics and that AA membership has been diluted by heavy drinkers - namely people that seem to be able to stay sober without having a spiritual experience. We are not kidding - he seems to think he can define what does and does not constitute a spiritual experience and who has had one!

So these speakers provide the direction for the group and sanction for their activities. Long term sober people in local meetings are ignored by the group hierarchy when they point out their concerns - the Purley group dismisses local experience as being unimportant - we are all doing it wrong remember!

On a side issue it would be good to do a genealogy of Cult sponsorship - expose the dealings and agendas of Myers and their ilk, they, after all, provide these groups with the lifeblood of respectability ( In the eyes of the cult groups themselves) . Get rid of that and the groups will be revealed for what they really are - huddled, isolated, unpopular and on the fringes of AA.

Closer inspection of the Purley convention flier reveals that those wishing to attend can make their cheques of £150 directly payable to David L (one of the groups founders). The money goes directly into his personal bank account - not an account set up for the convention. Smell a rat anyone? The spiritual life. It's a lark, innit!"

　

Editor's comment: This is part of a pattern demonstrated by these groups - they are in the process of setting up an alternative to AA but using the AA name to further their agenda. A number of conventions have been organised masquerading as AA events (see website for more details) eg. London, Canterbury, Plymouth. They are not run under the auspices of any Intergroup, and no audited accounts are presented to show how the proceeds of ticket sales are disbursed. It is the case that any member of AA can set up any business they like - however it is not acceptable for them to advertise these ventures in AA meetings or to present them as if they were sanctioned by AA. These groups are not only in breach of Traditions 1 and 2, but also 4, 6, 11, 12. We are not putting this information here for their benefit because it is blindingly obvious to anyone who has bothered to research the matter that they do not care one bit about either AA or its Traditions. As the contributor mentions above they will distort the Traditions, guidelines, concepts etc in order to further their own purposes - which is rather the propagation of dogma, the gross misrepresentation of the AA recovery programme, sponsorship idolatry etc.

　

We would remind AA members that they do NOT have to tolerate this behaviour. There are already a set of guidelines in place which deal with bullying. AA membership does NOT give any individual the right to cajole, bully, threaten, manipulate, "suggest", or otherwise seek to control any other individual. Newcomers may not be aware of this, or may not possess the resources to rebuff such impositions - but other AA members do - and that is our responsibililty - to act otherwise makes an empty mockery of the AA pledge:

　

I am Responsible.
When Anyone, Anywhere
Reaches Out For Help,
I Want The Hand Of A.A.
To Always Be There.

And For That,
I Am Responsible!

23/02/09

A newcomer's view

---

“i'm new to this site and now 10 months into my recovery..i say recovery because i myself had a vision for you "sponser"who nabbed me at the Guildford newcomers Friday meeting back in may 2008(they are aware of the issue and are on top of it)..luckily i'd already built some some decent real aa mates and was saved by a chap who i'm proud to say is my sponser. Thank my HP that i got into aa proper. These guys are control freaks and very dangerous, if you don't follow their rules"suggestions" you are dumped...just what you need when you're fighting this hideous disease and fresh off the street..i've personally seen 5 newcomers including myself either dump this guy or be dumped..not bad for 10 months and i haven't been to that meeting for the last 4!!...fyi keep an eye on tolworth newcomers on thursday night..he turned up their as have others from the Guildford Monday meeting..they have the six suggestion cards and are on you like flies around poo if you're new in...their sobriety is rocky to say the least but they're great with advice!!!

As a relative newcomer myself and working 9 at the moment i'm aware that i'm not practicing tolerance but sod that this is life and death..i was lucky...i'm still a human with opinions.

Please keep carrying the real aa message..the world needs it

P”

---

Editor's comment: Take note Tolworth Newcomers (Thursday night)!!

28/12/08

Guildford Newcomers Friday update

We have received the following notification from that group following our earlier comments that they had experienced problems with cult activity:

' Friday Newcomers has not been seriously negatively affected by ' vision ' although it has experienced attempts to recruit and pressurise its newcomers. These attempts are being monitored and the impact has been minimised. Our meeting is a large and successful mainstream AA meeting with many newcomers.' Andrew D - GSR

01/10/08

News from Surrey

Mention of these groups are cropping up in our emails these days – and are also listed under a Primary Purpose Website (non AA)

Quote:

---

"Hello,

I have just read though the contents of your site with great interest. I am a recovering alcoholic in the ……. area. I have had a lot of experience with these fundamentalist groups. I used to attend the Sunday morning Deptford meeting of Road to recovery and left after feeling compelled to vote with my sponsor at group consciences and other forms of coercion and control that I was unable to reconcile with sane healthy behaviour. I have become concerned about the "There is a solution group" operating from Purley on wednesday and monday. It is a similar set up - pyramid sponsorship, discouragement of attending other meetings, mandatory attendance of Purley meetings as a condition of sponsorship, a murky steering committee that make all group decisions (No tradition 3 group decision making) involvement in various non intergroup affiliated conventions. The meeting on Monday night is a book study which involves a Pavlovian response to sentences of the big book turned into questions. There is a slavish adherence to a particular interpretation of the book and a harking back to some golden age of AA when there was a 75% recovery rate, before it was all ruined by treatment centres and touchy feely 70's group therapy techniques. There is also a hero worship of certain American speakers that "carry the true message".

I believe that groups like this pose a threat to the continued existence of AA. I would like to be of help to you.

I can be contacted at the above e mail address.

Love in fellowship"